LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Meditations on Doge” by Martin Sustrik
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May 30, 2025 Discover the intricate web of governance and corruption in early 2000s Georgia. Hear about the culture of bribery fostered by excessive regulations and the historical context leading to the Rose Revolution. Learn how transformative reforms rebuilt the police system and restored public trust. Delve into the challenges of implementing regulatory changes in stubborn bureaucracies. Explore contrasting strategies in reforming economies and the lessons learned from places like Bulgaria and Poland, shedding light on today's governance struggles.
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Corruption Through Fake Enforcement
- In early 2000s Georgia, marshrutka drivers faced daily medical exam laws rarely enforced but used to extort bribes.
- Multiple petty trades and businesses paid bribes due to over-strict, unenforced regulations creating corruption incentives.
Corruption Fueled by Over-Regulation
- Overly strict laws can force citizens to break rules and bribe police, creating a corrupt incentive loop.
- Police and judges become attractive posts despite low salaries due to illegal incomes from bribes.
Bandits and Mafia in Power
- In the 1990s Georgia, bandits controlled power; businessmen needed armed escorts to avoid ransom.
- Mafia bosses were officially welcomed by high government officials, showing blurred criminal-state lines.
