Richard Wolf has taught me so much about economics I never knew before. I’ve created a Substack to write about how I believe we can create a social democracy in America through the lens of a gen z American
Two Corrupt States – But in Fundamentally Different Ways
Corruption affects both Russia and Ukraine, but in very different ways. Russia’s corruption is centralized and systematic, while Ukraine’s is fragmented and competitive. This presents different challenges—but also different possibilities for reform.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, both Russia and Ukraine inherited the same bureaucratic structures, the same closed political culture, and a weak rule of law. But since 1991, the two countries have taken divergent paths. Russia has become an authoritarian regime where corruption serves as a tool of governance. Ukraine has developed an incomplete democracy marked by a struggle between oligarchs, reformers, and civil society.
Corruption as a Tool of Power in Russia
In Russia, corruption is not primarily a flaw in the system—it is the system. Under Vladimir Putin, the country has developed a “managed vertical,” where loyalty to the president is the key to wealth and protection. Government contracts, natural resources, and public offices are distributed based on political loyalty, not merit[^1].
This top-down form of corruption is actively used to consolidate power. The circle around Putin—known as the siloviki—controls large parts of the economy, and the judiciary functions as a political instrument[^2]. The fight against corruption is therefore not genuine, but selective: it is used to eliminate enemies, not to build the rule of law[^3].
Ukraine: Disorder, but Also Resistance
Ukraine presents a more complex picture. There is no single dominant power structure; rather, there is competition among various oligarchs and political factions. This makes the system more chaotic and open—and provides real potential for change.
After the 2014 revolution, Ukraine launched a series of anti-corruption reforms, including independent agencies, special courts, and requirements for financial transparency among politicians[^4]. Pressure came from both domestic activists and Western partners. Much remains to be done, and entrenched interests remain strong. But unlike in Russia, Ukraine has a genuine public debate, a free press, and an active civil society that continues to push reforms forward[^5].
The West Bears Responsibility
The West has long taken a pragmatic approach to corruption in both countries. In Russia, the issue was largely ignored as long as energy supplies and stability were maintained. In Ukraine, reform efforts have been supported—but often with weak follow-up and vague conditionality[^6].
The realities of war have changed the equation. With massive Western support to Ukraine—both financial and military—much stricter demands for transparency and accountability are now being made[^7]. At the same time, there is a risk of undermining credibility if Ukraine is treated as a fully reformed democracy—it is not. Corruption remains a real threat to both trust and state-building.
Two Systems – One Struggle
Corruption in Russia and Ukraine differs not only in scale, but in function. In Russia, it is controlled and authoritarian. In Ukraine, it is unruly—but challengeable. That offers hope. As long as there are watchdog groups, free media, and political pluralism, there is space for change.
But reforms will take time. They require internal political will and consistent external support and pressure. The real fight against corruption is not just about laws and institutions—but about dismantling old power structures and building new norms for society.
“His writing is a call to conscience. He aims to provoke, indict, and awaken readers—especially those complicit in or indifferent to U.S. militarism. He’s not writing for comfort; he’s writing for reckoning.
Is socialism still possible? Yes, in theory. No, in practice. I don't know anyone under 40 who's willing to fight to make it happen.
Richard Wolf has taught me so much about economics I never knew before. I’ve created a Substack to write about how I believe we can create a social democracy in America through the lens of a gen z American
Two Corrupt States – But in Fundamentally Different Ways
Corruption affects both Russia and Ukraine, but in very different ways. Russia’s corruption is centralized and systematic, while Ukraine’s is fragmented and competitive. This presents different challenges—but also different possibilities for reform.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, both Russia and Ukraine inherited the same bureaucratic structures, the same closed political culture, and a weak rule of law. But since 1991, the two countries have taken divergent paths. Russia has become an authoritarian regime where corruption serves as a tool of governance. Ukraine has developed an incomplete democracy marked by a struggle between oligarchs, reformers, and civil society.
Corruption as a Tool of Power in Russia
In Russia, corruption is not primarily a flaw in the system—it is the system. Under Vladimir Putin, the country has developed a “managed vertical,” where loyalty to the president is the key to wealth and protection. Government contracts, natural resources, and public offices are distributed based on political loyalty, not merit[^1].
This top-down form of corruption is actively used to consolidate power. The circle around Putin—known as the siloviki—controls large parts of the economy, and the judiciary functions as a political instrument[^2]. The fight against corruption is therefore not genuine, but selective: it is used to eliminate enemies, not to build the rule of law[^3].
Ukraine: Disorder, but Also Resistance
Ukraine presents a more complex picture. There is no single dominant power structure; rather, there is competition among various oligarchs and political factions. This makes the system more chaotic and open—and provides real potential for change.
After the 2014 revolution, Ukraine launched a series of anti-corruption reforms, including independent agencies, special courts, and requirements for financial transparency among politicians[^4]. Pressure came from both domestic activists and Western partners. Much remains to be done, and entrenched interests remain strong. But unlike in Russia, Ukraine has a genuine public debate, a free press, and an active civil society that continues to push reforms forward[^5].
The West Bears Responsibility
The West has long taken a pragmatic approach to corruption in both countries. In Russia, the issue was largely ignored as long as energy supplies and stability were maintained. In Ukraine, reform efforts have been supported—but often with weak follow-up and vague conditionality[^6].
The realities of war have changed the equation. With massive Western support to Ukraine—both financial and military—much stricter demands for transparency and accountability are now being made[^7]. At the same time, there is a risk of undermining credibility if Ukraine is treated as a fully reformed democracy—it is not. Corruption remains a real threat to both trust and state-building.
Two Systems – One Struggle
Corruption in Russia and Ukraine differs not only in scale, but in function. In Russia, it is controlled and authoritarian. In Ukraine, it is unruly—but challengeable. That offers hope. As long as there are watchdog groups, free media, and political pluralism, there is space for change.
But reforms will take time. They require internal political will and consistent external support and pressure. The real fight against corruption is not just about laws and institutions—but about dismantling old power structures and building new norms for society.
“His writing is a call to conscience. He aims to provoke, indict, and awaken readers—especially those complicit in or indifferent to U.S. militarism. He’s not writing for comfort; he’s writing for reckoning.
https://griobhtha1.substack.com/p/x-rubicon-trackers
Kewl. Just wrote and article on the same subject.
https://substack.com/@peioi/p-169784563
I read this on Reddit yesterday: “Give me Mamdani or give me Mangione” 🤷🏻♀️