Truths and Myths - Understanding Ukraine's Corruption

This article is part of a series on Ukraine and corruption. Subscribe for part two, written by corruption expert Dr. Jodi Vittori, to be published soon.

As identified in a recent op-ed in The Hill by political scientist Alexander Motyl, corruption is not an issue unique to Ukraine. Luxury condominiums in London and New York stand empty and unoccupied due to their usage in complex wealth-hiding schemes by Chinese and Russian oligarchs. Sporting events are regularly held in Azerbaijan and Qatar, states known for corruption and authoritarian approaches to governance. Although the developed economies of Europe are regularly cited as examples of effective, non-corrupt governance, several EU members continue to use “Golden Visa” laws that grant permanent residency for wealthy investors - including persons that would be otherwise targeted by western sanctions. Certain American commentators have cited corruption in Ukraine as a justification for ending the United States’ security aid and have …