In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 206: Corruption, Putinism's Achilles' Heel
Jun 29, 2025
The podcast dives deep into the rampant corruption plaguing Russia’s governance. Officials openly admit corruption is on the rise, particularly at the top, leading to a lack of political will to address it. Listeners learn about significant arrests and how political rivalries complicate genuine anti-corruption efforts. The discussion highlights the broader societal decline and dissatisfaction with enforcement, especially as wartime mismanagement exacerbates state failures. It also critiques NATO's response to perceived threats, contrasting military tactics with the intricacies of disinformation.
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Corruption's Growing Predatory Nature
- Corruption in Russia is rising rapidly and becoming more predatory, affecting all levels of society and government.
- Even official agencies acknowledge this growth, but efforts focus on middle-level offenders, avoiding the top elite.
Middle-Rank Officials Face Most Charges
- Many high-profile corruption arrests involve local or regional officials, rarely top Kremlin players.
- Law enforcement targets mid-level corrupt actors who are significant but not politically untouchable.
Russia's Corruption Rank Declines
- Russia’s ranking in corruption perception indexes is worsening, comparable to low-ranked countries.
- Perceptions can be skewed, but repeated surveys show actual increase in bribery among ordinary citizens.