How does the author use symbolism in the novel, Warlight?

The author uses smuggling to symbolize the morally questionable transcendence of certain legal strictures. As a teenager, Nathaniel gained experience in illegal activities when he worked for the Darter by helping to illegally smuggle dogs into London. As an adult, Nathaniel conducted a secret, personal investigation among classified government archives, potentially emboldened to do so by his past dalliance with illegality alongside The Darter.