INSTITUTIONAL CORRUPTION

 

Institutional corruption

 

Standard corruption is part of most systems and societies, sometimes visible, most of the time hidden. NGOs like Transparency international, laws protecting whistleblowers, solid implementation of the rule of law keep societies functional and improving, albeit with varying success.

Institutional corruption, as in Russia and now in the US, is a completely different animal. In fact, it behaves more like a viral or fungal epidemic.

In regions where institutional corruption is present, value is no more measured by creativity, quality, efficacy, knowledge, sustainability, hard work, humane impact, integrity, honesty, etc. but by obedience.  In such a binary system, one is either “with them” or “against them”. If you are “with them”, you profit, independent of “your true qualities”. If you are against them, you will be confronted with an array of oppressive consequences starting with disagreement, to be followed by scorn, mobbing, demotion, job termination, social isolation, death threats, murder.  Based on the history of the regions who went through this oppressive process, we know that true excellence decreases because creator motivation plummets, and hard work is not only unwanted but becomes a source of critics. Consequently, the economy starts contracting. Environmental and health abuse become the only way for the tyrannic structure to maintain a basic significance, such as oil and gas extraction. Because the economy is not based on the population as a whole,  but on a few industries (Ex. oil, gas, and weapons), we observe the growth of another destructive collaterals: the rise of the oligarchs and their obscene wealth.

The only way for these tyrants to maintain their power is to create a new “excellence narrative” (Ex. The absurd pretense by Trump to be the best in everything). The lowest denominator becomes not only acceptable but the norm. For example, incompetent managers become tyrants themselves to maintain their position.  

Because all countries do not necessarily conform to these false norms, it becomes important for the oppressors to extend this insane state of mind to the world, at least to those who may pose a threat to their tyrannic fantasy world. This is the reason why it was and is so important for Russia to make of the U.S. a copy of itself, especially in terms of its institutional corruption which is coupled with the oppressive tools needed for its own existence: lies, narrative/media control, violence, threats, murder, war (civil and external), etc.

It is indeed the main reason for these tyrants to criticize and threaten Europe so vehemently: Europa has become one of the few regions able and willing to keep and nourish democracy, sustainability, the rule-of-law, social economy, excellence, ethical care, and reason.

 

Make no mistake, the only hope I see is for each of us is to develop our abilities to engage daily against corruption wherever we are, in the very activity/job where we live our life. Knowing that practice makes the master, make sure that you start small and learn the tools to engage safely and efficiently. One way is Self-diversity training.