Dismantling Systemic Corruption: Assessing Recent Anti-Corruption Strategies in Georgia and Armenia

Abstract

Systemic corruption stymies the development of viable democratic and economic institutions. Even if the political leadership were able to somewhat curb corruption, as in Armenia, society would be better off without it. With a significant reduction of corruption, the Armenian and Georgian economies would grow stronger, economic gains would be more evenly distributed, and citizens’ rights and liberties would be better protected. The question is how to get rid of something that serves the interest of the ruling elite and is so deeply engrained in the political and economic fabric.