Old and New Patterns of Corruption in Poland and the USSR

In: Telos, Heft 80, S. 51-62

Abstract

Classic, structurally determined corruption practices in Poland & the former USSR are compared with the current situation following the political reforms of the late 1980s. Violating distribution rules by self-interested activity, state socialist corruption (extortion, bribes), & legalized corruption (power elite privileges) is motivated by economics of scarcity. Systematic reforms have eliminated some corruption in vertical exchange in Poland, eg, open plundering of public property, but it is harder to combat the legal corruptions. Bureaucracy & private business are in a parasitic & symbiotic relationship, providing mutual benefits & cooperation. J. Sadler