GEG WP 2013/85 Moving Away from Corrupt Equilibrium

Full Title: Moving Away from Corrupt Equilibrium: 'Big Bang' Push Factors and Progress

Author: Alexander Kupatadze

GEG Working Paper 2013/85

Abstract

Corruption is a complex problem and there are no easy ways for its solution. Most countries are stuck in corrupt equilibrium with little chance for endogenous change. The internal forces of public pressure, political leadership, free media and anti-corruption institutions as well as external dynamics of coercive, economic and normative leverage of international actors may push for the change. The risk is that corrupt interests may hijack progress and even reverse achievements. I argue that the interplay between various elements of these variables may move the polity away from corrupt equilibrium to a better one as well as control for the spoiler trap. Over the long-term the institutionalization of anti-corruption reform and transforming social norms are important to sustain progress.

Author Bio

Dr. Alexander Kupatadze is scholar and analyst with many years of experience studying organized crime and corruption issues in post-Soviet Eurasia. He is currently an Oxford-Princeton Global Leaders Fellow.