The Complex Picture of Corruption in Russia: Beyond Vladimir Putin
Corruption, in its various forms, has been a pervasive issue in power structures around the world. It ranges from legal mechanisms like 'lobbyists' to outright malfeasance. To understand Russia's situation in this context, one must delve into the depths of its corruption, its effects, and the role of key figures who have shaped the nation.
Putin and Corruption: Actor or Advocate?
While it is easy to view corruption as a central issue within the Russian Federation, it is crucial to recognize that Vladimir Putin is more the effect than the cause. His tenure has seen significant efforts to address and reduce corruption, particularly following the tumultuous era of the 1990s.
The 1990s in Russia, often referred to as the Wild 90s, were characterized by immense economic turmoil and the rise of organized crime. Families across the Former Soviet Union (FSU) faced rampant poverty and seemingly uncontrollable criminal activities. Putin's leadership aimed to put a halt to these issues. He took steps to curb the power of oligarchs and nationalized several sectors, including the state-owned Russian Railways.
The State of Russian Railways: A Microcosm of Corruption
Rossiya's state monopoly, the Russian Railways (RR), operates as a critical mode of transportation across the vast and diverse geography of Russia. Yet, the institution is plagued by systemic inefficiencies and rampant corruption. Labor in the RR has been notoriously inefficient, with a workforce that could be significantly downsized without any discernible impact on service quality.
The financial and social structure of the RR is riddled with economic inefficiencies and corruption. For instance, in 2017, second-class sleeper carriages in railway systems, which carried 54 passengers in open space with no privacy, saw ticket prices surpass those of air flights. This was despite the fact that the RR, a state monopoly, had monopolized the market and had no visible competition.
This corruption, ingrained in the very fabric of Russian governance, extends to both historical and modern-day practices. Take, for example, the case of Vladimir Yakunin, once the head of the RR and a close friend of Putin. Yakunin siphoned off massive amounts of money to offshore shell companies, a level of corruption that would makes Al Capone envious.
Contemporary Corrupt Practices: The Rothenberg Family
Following Yakunin's ouster, Oleg Belozerov, the new head of RR, brought in a new batch of corrupt individuals, including the Rothenberg family. This family of oligarchs continued to siphon RR resources and profits through fraudulent contracts and construction projects. The Rothenberg's were the beneficiaries of significant state resources, from building new stadiums for their soccer teams to obtaining contracts for railway upgrades and infrastructure development.
The case of the Crimea Bridge is illustrative of the pervasive and insidious nature of corruption in Russian business. The bridge was reportedly over-charged by 50% due to kickbacks, which would benefit the builders and contractors, all the while increasing the financial burden on the state.
In conclusion, while Vladimir Putin has undertaken steps to combat corruption and inefficiency, the deep-seated nature of the issue cannot be overlooked. The Russian state, as an organized crime syndicate, continues to profit from systemic corruption. Addressing this multi-faceted challenge requires a comprehensive, sustained effort that goes beyond individual figures like Putin.
Keywords:
corruption in russia, vladimir putin, russia's economic inefficiency
Further Reading:
For more detailed and informed perspectives, consider exploring the works of critics like Alexei Navalny, who has written extensively on corruption in Russia. Alternative media platforms such as Misha Firer and his Patreon community offer compelling insights into the state of Russia today.