Conclusion

Abstract

This study has explained the political and socio-economic trajectories that two post-Soviet successor states have taken by focusing on the mode of transition from Soviet rule and its affect on the nature of systemic corruption, a prevalent legacy of Soviet rule. To be precise, tumultuous transitions that created a temporary, but profound vacuum of political authority caused a rapid and lasting decentralization of systemic corruption in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. In contrast, in Armenia a negotiated transition from Soviet rule paved the way for a smooth transfer of political authority, which enabled the new leadership to maintain tight control over the system of corruption.