In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 145: How Corruption Works Under Putin

May 5, 2024

The podcast delves into how corruption under Putin's regime serves as a reward and control mechanism; it explores historical roots of corruption in Russia and contrasts practices under Putin. It also discusses strategies of control within investigative agencies, the intricate dynamics of corruption in elite circles, and the impact on Russian construction projects. Additionally, it examines the rise of Dimitri Shalkov and challenges to corruption loyalty in Putin's regime.

53:53

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Quick takeaways

Corruption under Putin serves as a reward system for loyalists, enabling a luxurious lifestyle beyond official salaries.

Corruption is a tool of control in Putin's regime, manipulating individuals through compromising material and ensuring weak leadership.

Participating in corrupt practices in Russia signifies allegiance to a subculture, creating a system reliant on compromised insiders for stability.

Deep dives

Corruption as a Reward System in Putin's System

Corruption serves as a key part of Putin's system in three specific ways. Firstly, it acts as a reward system where loyalty and following the system's rules lead to a luxurious lifestyle beyond one's salary, demonstrating a kleptocracy by design. Secondly, historically, corruption was a way for officials to supplement low salaries, becoming deeply ingrained in Russian bureaucracy, ultimately inefficient. Finally, corruption fosters a sense of exclusivity and initiation into an insider group, ensuring compliance and participation.

Challenging the System in Russia - Enemy Versus Traitor

01:04

Corruption as a Control System

00:41

Introduction

3min

Historical and Modern Corruption in Russia

10min

Strategies of Control and Influence in Investigative Agencies and the FSB Under Putin's Regime

3min

The Intricate Dynamics of Corruption in Elite Circles

5min

Exploring Tax System Transformation and High-Level Corruption

3min

Corruption and Power Dynamics in Russian Construction Projects

22min

Uncovering Corruption: The Rise of Dimitri Shalkov

7min

Exploring Corruption and Loyalty Under Putin's Regime

2min

The case of Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov, long known as 'king of the kickback,' but only now arrested and charged, provides a good opportunity to consider how corruption is so central to Putin's system, not simply as a reward mechanism to pay off the loyal, but also as a control mechanism and even a social one.

The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.

You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials right here.

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