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481. Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China?

Freakonomics Radio

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Understanding the China Model: Governance and Corruption

This chapter examines the multifaceted nature of China's governance, emphasizing the evolution from Mao to Xi Jinping and the misconceptions surrounding authoritarianism's role in economic success. It explores the dynamics of corruption within autocratic regimes, particularly the significance of a profit-sharing system among officials that perpetuates corrupt practices due to insufficient salaries. The discussion critiques mainstream academic perspectives on corruption and development, highlighting the complexities of measuring corruption and the challenges faced in exploring difficult topics in scholarly work.

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