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Policy and Politics

Corruption in Russia

Examining corruption in Russia.

Is there a good way to examine corruption in Russia? The answer is not that straightforward. Here, however, let us consider a novel approach. Let us examine the issues differently. There is a need to revisit corruption in Russia.

We could use several approaches to examine the extent of corruption in Russia. Some of the most common views include history, culture, and institutions. But let us examine, albeit briefly here, the role of institutions in creating the conditions for corrupt practices to take hold in the country.

Corruption in Russia is endemic. It is also systemic.

Ben Wood Johnson, 09/14

Misconceptions about corruption in Russia.

There are several misconceptions about the origins of corruption in Russia. The literature includes many mistaken beliefs about corruption in that part of the world. Some people have a tendency to caricature every Russian person as a corrupt individual. Is there any truth to that understanding? I would say not at all.

I would admit that it might be difficult to deny that Russia has a corruption problem. The country is among the most corrupt states in the world.[1] Transparency International, for instance, regularly lists the Russian State among the most corrupt regimes in the world.[2]

There is also a tendency to vilify Vladimir Putin (Russia’s current head of state). Although Mr. Putin has promised to stop the spread of corruption in his country, many observers are skeptical. Some consider Putin’s attempts to curtail corruption in Russia futile endeavors.[3]

I will not explore the reason most people are uncertain that Vladimir Putin could stop corruption in Russia. I will not debate whether he [himself] is a part of the problem, as many observers suggest. Seemingly, there is more to the current narrative about corruption in Russia.

Examining corruption in Russia.

It is undeniable that corruption is a major problem in Russia. Still, we do not know the true nature of the phenomenon. Let us ponder on the following questions:

  1. What is the extent of corruption in Russia?
  2. How could we explain Russian attitudes toward corruption?
  3. Is there a way to describe the cause of corruption in Russia?

Let me say as a disclaimer here that I do not intend to admonish nor to support the Russian State itself. This post is an excerpt from a research paper I completed many years ago as a graduate student. In these series of entries, I hope to examine the nature of corruption in Russia. I hope to explore the role of culture in exacerbating corruption in that country. I also hope to relate how institutions played a prominent role in the spread of corruption in Russia.

References:

[1] Trading Economics, “Russia Corruption Rank, 1996-2018, Data, Chart, Calendar, Forecast,” accessed September 21, 2018, https://tradingeconomics.com/russia/corruption-rank.

[2] Transparency International, “Transparency International – Russia,” accessed September 21, 2018, https://www.transparency.org/country/RUS.

[3] Ivan Krastev and Vladislav Inozemtsev, “Putin’s Self-Destruction: Russia’s New Anti-Corruption Campaign Will Sink the Regime,” IWM (blog), July 1, 2013, https://www.iwm.at/transit/transit-online/putins-self-destruction/.

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