Corruption — It's Nothing New
Channel: New Media UFM English
Date: 24/02/2023

The enlightening session "Corruption: It's Nothing New" examines the ubiquitous problem of corruption throughout history. Burke Files, President of the American Anti-Corruption Institute, explores the historical background of corruption, looking at how it has persisted in many cultures and times. The speaker seeks to highlight the persistent nature of corruption and to shed light on its patterns and repercussions through an analysis of different historical periods.

“There’s an economy of favors but now the favors instead of access to something is cash”. — Burke Files

Files begins with a clear definition of corruption, explaining its various forms such as bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, and the abuse of power. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper understanding of corruption by illustrating how these practices undermine public trust and erode institutional integrity. Through engaging visuals and historical context, the speaker establishes that corruption is fundamentally about the misuse of power for personal gain, which destabilizes social and political structures.

The discussion highlights how economic systems, particularly socialist and communist systems, often lead to corruption due to lack of market mechanisms and the creation of black markets. The speaker uses examples from Russia and other countries to illustrate the systemic issues caused by corruption.

Burke explains how corruption is defined as the abuse of power for private gain. The speaker explores various examples of corruption in both the public and private sectors, and discusses how it can manifest itself through bribery, theft and manipulation. 

“Corruption is the abuse of power you’ve been given for your own benefit”. — Burke Files

Files discusses ancient civilizations, focusing on Rome and Greece, where corruption was a notable concern even in these primitive societies. The speaker highlights how corruption manifested itself in these ancient cultures, such as political bribery and manipulation of public office. For example, he discusses how Roman emperors and officials used corrupt practices to consolidate their power and maintain control, setting a historical precedent for how corruption can shape political landscapes. Examining ancient Greece reveals similar patterns, where corruption influences both politics and public life.

Last but not least, Files solidified a problem that has existed from prehistoric times to the present. The speaker shows how, despite changes in the ways corruption manifests itself, its fundamental components: power abuse, bribery, and favoritism remain the same. This historical approach emphasizes that combating corruption involves more than just putting new laws into place; it also entails recognizing and solving a persistent issue that still affects civilizations all over the world. Files urges continued vigilance, transparency, and collective action to combat corruption effectively and build more equitable and just systems.

If “Corruption: It’s Nothing New” sparked your interest, there’s so much more to explore and understand about this persistent issue. Visit our New Media page for a wealth of additional resources that will expand your knowledge and provide deeper insights into the history and impact of corruption.

Organized by:
Centro Henry Hazlitt | Universidad Francisco Marroquín
https://chh.ufm.edu/
Escuela de Negocios | Universidad Francisco Marroquín
https://en.ufm.edu/ 

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A production by UFM Studios 
http://newmedia.ufm.edu