For those like me mathematically challenged, let me translate the strange formula of our title into what it means, the most commonly held definition of corruption. Corruption equals Monopoly Power, plus Discretion, minus Accountability. This definition applies, as you see, across the board from politics through business to personal life – and even, dare I suggest, to the church. It is also, I suggest, a formula for the social breakdown and eventual collapse of administration, infrastructure and government in any country, what political scientists call a ‘failed state’.
How does this happen? It starts, as most things do, in the mind as an attitude of entitlement. I am owed something because (a) I am important, more important than the rest; (b) I am disadvantaged (historically, culturally, physically ...whatever!) and deserve something; (c) INSERT WHATEVER REASON YOU PREFER HERE. Moreover I have power in what I do and am not really accountable to others, least of all to those with whom I interact professionally. In short, echoing prosecutors in countless legal TV dramas, I have Motive, Means and Opportunity for personal (and/or group) enrichment.
Now a wise state may introduce a whole series of anti-corruption laws to prevent this kind of behaviour. Indeed it may even set up anti-corruption policing units and special prosecuting authorities. Well and good. But sometimes even the best laws get ignored and the most effective police units get disbanded. Why?
There are many reasons, of course, but the strongest is that sometimes a double standard emerges in policing corruption. Prominent public figures, protected by political interests, appear to be – in fact are – above the reach of the law. The rest of us see this, see how political connections are an automatic ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card. The ‘moral’ of the story: get connected!
When the ‘big fish’ are not fried by the law (often law made by themselves or their friends), the little fish get adventurous. And rightly so! After all, why should we behave ourselves, keep the law, while the big fish swim around freely. If they can use their positions for personal gain, so should we. We are in a democracy, after all.
And so corruption grows. Everyone – from street sweeper to president eventually – is on the take. (No, I am not exaggerating there are countries like this on almost every continent). The basics of daily government become part of an invisible market economy. Nothing gets done unless you pay the person or persons above you, and those below you pay you to do the job for which you are already being paid.
The meaning of government erodes. Soon the basics things one takes for granted even in the most free market of democracies become commodities on a market: what’s the difference between buying a melon and buying a drivers license? Answer: melons are cheaper.
Trust erodes. We stop being a community but individuals who exploit and are exploited by each other. Inevitably competition arises between individuals and groups scrabbling for as much of the goods, for our snouts in the feeding trough. Conflicts arise over who gets what. Without proper government, the state collapses into factionalism as rival gangs kill each other for control of the feeding trough.
Welcome to the latest failed state! We hope you enjoy your stay.
