Russia Wins When the US Stops Fighting Corruption
Several autocratic regimes will benefit from the Trump administration’s about-face on anti-bribery policy. But Putin’s country wins most.
Russia, Russia, Russia.
Photographer: Mikhail Klimentyev/AFP/Getty ImagesWhat are the uses of corruption? It’s worth asking such a question after a series of recent events in which the US Government has completely reversed its official opposition to it. Any loosening of strictures stands to benefit President Donald Trump, his family and the coterie of grifters who form the inner circle of MAGA. But it’s equally clear that recent changes are part of the Trump administration’s emerging alignment with corrupt authoritarian regimes — and against the rule-of-law democracies that have long been American allies.
Although other bad actors, including China and Saudi Arabia, will likely benefit from the Trump administration’s welcome mat for corruption, Russia stands to reap a singular bonanza.