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Conflict of Interests in Russia: The Merging of Bureaucracy and Business
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Moscow, Russia - As the Russian economy continues to struggle with corruption and economic instability, a growing concern has emerged over the merging of bureaucracy and business. This phenomenon, known as “srashchivanie biurokratii i biznesa,” is threatening the very fabric of Russian society and undermining efforts to combat corruption.
Corruption in Russia
According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Russia ranks 131st out of 176 countries in terms of perceived corruption. The CPI report highlights the widespread perception that government officials are corrupt, with over 70% of respondents stating that bribery is a common practice in the country.
Merging of Bureaucracy and Business
The merging of bureaucracy and business has been facilitated by the Russian government’s efforts to promote economic growth and attract foreign investment. In recent years, the government has taken steps to liberalize the economy, reduce regulations, and create favorable conditions for businesses to operate.
Unintended Consequences
However, this approach has had unintended consequences. The blurring of lines between public and private sectors has created an environment where corruption can thrive. Government officials are often involved in business dealings, and many companies have close ties with government agencies.
Civil Service Sector
This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the civil service sector. According to a report by the Public Chamber of Russia, over 60% of federal officials have business interests outside of their official duties. This creates an environment where corruption can easily occur, as officials may use their positions for personal gain.
Lack of Effective Anti-Corruption Measures
The situation is exacerbated by the lack of effective anti-corruption measures. The Russian government has introduced several initiatives aimed at combating corruption, including the creation of a special anti-corruption agency and increased penalties for corruption-related offenses.
Limited Success
However, these efforts have been met with limited success. Corruption remains widespread, and many officials continue to engage in corrupt practices with impunity.
Call for Action
In an effort to address this issue, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability in government agencies. They argue that the merging of bureaucracy and business must be addressed through a comprehensive approach that includes stricter regulations, increased oversight, and greater public participation.
“The merging of bureaucracy and business is a ticking time bomb for Russia’s economic development,” said Maria V. Shedij, an expert on corruption at the Central Russian Institute of Management. “Unless we address this issue, corruption will continue to undermine our efforts to promote economic growth and stability.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the merging of bureaucracy and business in Russia poses significant risks to the country’s economic development and social stability. Efforts to combat corruption must be accompanied by a comprehensive approach that includes stricter regulations, increased oversight, and greater public participation.
Authors: Pavel A. Merkulov, Maria V. Shedij
Corresponding author: Pavel A. Merkulov
Affiliations:
- Central Russian Institute of Management, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Political Science and Public Policy, Central Russian Institute of Management, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia