Political Corruption: a Threat to Democracy and Freedom

Power is entrusted to politicians to safeguard our freedoms and ensure the continuous prosperity of the country. However, when we delegate this power, there is an expectation that it will not be misused for personal gain. Sadly, some politicians do exploit their positions for selfish purposes. As a united nation, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and well-informed about how power can be abused. Elections, which have recently concluded, play a crucial role in this dynamic. During these elections, we either grant authority to new officials or allow incumbents to continue their tenure based on past performance.

For corrupt politicians, your vote can fast-track their self-serving agendas.

Political corruption poses a persistent challenge for nations worldwide. It is a problem deeply rooted in the evolution of totalitarian governments and reflects the alarming prioritization of financial gain over the welfare of the governed.

What is Political Corruption?

To fully comprehend the depths of political corruption, it is essential to understand its underlying principles and varied forms. Primarily, political corruption manifests in two significant ways, both related to the misuse of money and power. The first type involves high-ranking politicians leveraging their positions to extract personal profits from government revenues and the broader economy, such as the illegal appropriation of taxpayer funds for personal use. The second form focuses on the manipulation of public resources and finances to maintain political power.

Political corruption predominantly involves senior public officials and government offices, distinguishing it from bureaucratic corruption, which deals with lower-level officials. It is also separate from business corruption, which pertains to private corporations. However, if a government official accepts bribes from a business, it is classified as political corruption. Acts like police brutality or the repression of political opponents do not fall under political corruption as they do not involve politicians exploiting their positions for personal gain.

Rooted in Totalitarianism

Political corruption finds its roots in totalitarian regimes and, more broadly, in various forms of dictatorship. Dictators maintain control by instilling fear among the populace, as exemplified by Nazi Germany's Holocaust and the famines and purges of the USSR. By exploiting fear, these regimes consolidate their power. The second form of political corruption, which involves the extraction of resources from the public to retain control, is evident in both totalitarian regimes and democracies.

While the severity of corruption may differ, the remnants of totalitarian practices seep into democratic systems. Political leaders worldwide have recognized the devastating impact of dictatorships, which claimed millions of lives annually. Yet, they remain aware that covertly increasing their control can enhance their influence in government, often benefiting a select few rather than the entire citizenry.

Bribery

Bribery is a straightforward yet pervasive form of corruption. It involves offering or promising something of value to government officials in exchange for influence within the government. Accepting a bribe can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, removal from office, or a combination of these consequences. Bribery is one of the most prevalent forms of corruption and has been at the center of numerous scandals worldwide.

Notable examples include the Abscam operation in the late 1970s in the United States and the Kenjivideos scandal in Peru in 2018. These cases underscore the widespread nature of bribery and its impact on political systems.

The 1970s: Abscam and Watergate

The Abscam operation, a famous U.S. corruption case from the late 1970s, captivated the nation and even inspired a movie adaptation. It involved the FBI collaborating with conman Mel Weinberg to ensnare corrupt officials. The FBI established a fake oil company and an Arabic sheik to expose corruption. This elaborate sting operation led to the conviction of over a dozen public officials, including a senator and six congressmen, for accepting bribes. Senator Larry Pressler, who famously refused a bribe, remarked, "I do not consider myself a hero… what have we come to if turning down a bribe is ‘heroic’?"

While Abscam was well-known, it was the Watergate scandal that left an indelible mark on American political history. President Nixon, during his re-election campaign amidst the Vietnam War, orchestrated a break-in at the Watergate complex to gain an edge over the opposition. Initially, it seemed Nixon was not directly involved, and he successfully convinced voters of his innocence, winning the 1972 Presidential Election by a landslide. However, as evidence mounted, Nixon's attempts to obstruct justice were exposed, leading to his resignation in 1974.

Current Events of Political Corruption

While Abscam and Watergate remain infamous, political corruption continues to plague modern societies. In Peru, former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski faced allegations of accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, involving over $800 million. The scandal culminated in the release of the Kenjivideos, exposing attempts to sway congressional votes against Kuczynski's impeachment. Ultimately, Kuczynski resigned, asserting his innocence but prioritizing his family's peace.

In the United States, allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election have sparked extensive investigations by the CIA, FBI, and NSA. These inquiries aim to determine if there was collusion between Russia and then-candidate Donald Trump. If proven, such actions would constitute political corruption, raising questions about potential impeachment under the Constitution's provisions for "Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes or Misdemeanors."

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