Official corruption, which President Boris Yeltsin's government sometimes sponsors in the name of economic reform and revenue raising, exists in the form of insider trading, preferential treatment in the granting of licenses, and the banking of state funds in favored financial institutions. Moreover, the government routinely uses corruption charges in the struggle for political power. On a more positive note, there is unprecedented popular acceptance of civil liberties and elections as a way to legitimize political authority. Society is steadily being demilitarized and economy integrated into the international community. However, Russia's patrimonial heritage has ensured that corruption and lawlessness are not a just a passing phase but a systemic problem that is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
Corruption is like weeds.
No matter how hard you try to get rid of them, they keep reappearing. The fight against corruption is likely to be a long struggle. To receive permission for reprinting, please direct your inquires to Paul Goble, publisher. This article may not be reprinted, sold, or used for any commercial application without the written permission of the author. This page may be linked or attached to an internet web page, but only with permission, and only with the clear understanding that the article will be presented in its entirety with no changes or modifications allowed, and this paragraph and the following attributions shall remain attached and shall be included in any printed copies.