Is Corruption in Russia a Cultural Problem? A Closer Look
Corruption in Russia is often explained through the lens of culture. This view, sometimes espoused in Western commentary and policy circles, suggests that corrupt behavior is not just widespread in Russia. Instead, it is deeply embedded in its social fabric. The implication is that Russian society is “intrinsically” corrupt. In other words, that culture is not merely a contributing factor to corruption but the primary cause thereof. Yet, how valid is this claim? Is culture a destiny when it comes to corruption?
The Cultural Determinism Argument
The cultural determinism perspective draws on the idea that societal norms, traditions, and informal networks (often called blat in Russian sociological literature) shape individual behavior. In this view, informal exchanges, nepotism, and bribery are seen not as deviations but as accepted tools for navigating daily life, which can vary based on a mere act of acquiring a job or by accessing public services. Political scientists like Alena Ledeneva have documented such practices extensively. Ledeneva notes how these informal systems have survived transitions from Soviet rule to modern governance (Ledeneva, 2006).
While such research provides important insights, it risks reducing corruption to a kind of cultural inevitability. This reality often sidelines institutional, political, and economic factors. These realities often play equal, if not greater, roles in perpetuating corruption.
The Problem with Cultural Essentialism
Blaming corruption solely on culture is a form of essentialism. It flattens complexity; it treats national populations as monolithic.
While cultural norms do influence behavior, they are neither fixed nor universal across a nation as large and diverse as Russia. Suggesting that “Russians are inherently corrupt” not only lacks empirical support, but it also borders on cultural stereotyping. This is not right, regardless of what one thinks of the Russian people as a whole.
Indeed, global studies show that corruption is not confined to any single region or cultural group. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Russia ranks poorly. However, so do countries with entirely different cultural traditions, such as Nigeria, Venezuela, and Iraq (Transparency International, 2024). These patterns suggest that structural issues, such as weak rule of law, lack of press freedom, and authoritarian governance, may be more decisive than cultural predispositions.
Institutions vs. Culture
Recent research supports the idea that institutional quality, rather than culture alone, explains variations in corruption. Economist Daniel Treisman argues that perceived cultural explanations often conflate cause and effect. That is, corruption creates distrust and informal networks, which in turn become culturally normalized, not the other way around (Treisman, 2007).
In the same way, surveys in Russia reveal strong public resentment toward corruption. A 2021 Levada Center poll found that corruption ranked among the top concerns for Russian citizens, which was ahead of unemployment and inflation. This contradicts the notion that corrupt behavior is broadly accepted or endorsed at the grassroots level.
So, as food for thought: Is Corruption in Russia Cultural?
The answer can be complex. It can be both yes and no. The final answer may depend on an array of factors.
Culture may provide a framework that allows certain practices to persist. However, to label the entire problem as “cultural” oversimplifies reality. This would also absolve institutions of responsibility.
Corruption in Russia is better understood as a product of historical legacies. This can range from the Soviet era, state capture by elites, the weakness of civil society, and the limited independence of the judiciary and media. Thus, the cause of corruption is not unique.
To resolve corruption in Russia, the focus must shift from cultural blame to structural reform. There is a need to improve transparency, strengthening institutions, and encouraging civic participation. The rest would come from the people themselves, as they are not too fond of the conduct.
References:
- Ledeneva, A. (2006). How Russia Really Works: The Informal Practices That Shaped Post-Soviet Politics and Business. Cornell University Press. https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9780801473524/how-russia-really-works/#bookTabs=1
- Treisman, D. (2007). “What Have We Learned About the Causes of Corruption from Ten Years of Cross-National Empirical Research?” Annual Review of Political Science, 10(1), 211–244. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.10.081205.095418
- Transparency International. (2024). Corruption Perceptions Index 2023. https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023/index/nzl
- Levada Center. (2021). What Worries Russians Most? https://www.levada.ru/en/2021/03/24/what-worries-russians-most-3/
