Russia - what to do about massive corruption

[erasure]

Originally Posted by tpk-nyc

Qatar, the UAE and other Gulf states are former colonies who are investing their oil revenues in education and infrastructure for the future.

Keep on going please.
So if tomorrow for example Quatar and UAE discover that they don't have a drop of oil left, what are their options, what "education" that they were investing in, and what technological advances will keep them afloat and make them equal to the West? ( not that they are equal to begin with.)
Truth to be told - none. They'll go back to the status of the typical former colony, left at the mercy of Western powers; how much they are interested ( or not) in development of said above nation, how much they are willing to invest, on what conditions, with what purpose and so on. And that's what makes difference between something Venezuela and Qatar after all - the attitude of Western powers and the attitude/compliance of local authorities of each respective country.

[GreyKarast]

I noticed a very interesting trend of corruption in Russia .The most dangerous and a lot of corruption is in the government. For example, not so long ago was dismissed Mayor of Novosibirsk . From 280 million to the needs of the city used only 50 . All other money he kept for himself .It always amazes me just one . Why do people who steal millions walk in freedom. their are not thrown in jail . But ordinary people who for example - steal a sack of potatoes receive long prison terms. Over recent years , corruption in Russia strongly decreased . But mostly it affected ordinary people or petty officials .
For example - if you break the rules of the road. Your car is stopped GBDD - he will fine you. Previously, you could agree with him (giving him a bribe or just talking to him). But today it is very rare. Today, there are many new laws which they now fear. Their wages are higher and not everyone dares to their work for a one- trick and a prison sentence.

[jeffpv]

Originally Posted by GreyKarast

I noticed a very interesting trend of corruption in Russia .The most dangerous and a lot of corruption is in the government. For example, not so long ago was dismissed Mayor of Novosibirsk . From 280 million to the needs of the city used only 50 . All other money he kept for himself .It always amazes me just one . Why do people who steal millions walk in freedom. their are not thrown in jail . But ordinary people who for example - steal a sack of potatoes receive long prison terms. Over recent years , corruption in Russia strongly decreased . But mostly it affected ordinary people or petty officials .
For example - if you break the rules of the road. Your car is stopped GBDD - he will fine you. Previously, you could agree with him (giving him a bribe or just talking to him). But today it is very rare. Today, there are many new laws which they now fear. Their wages are higher and not everyone dares to their work for a one- trick and a prison sentence.

The old proverb "The fish stinks from the head" would apply nicely here :-)

I'd like to add that I am heartened to see that someone is trying to crack down on small-scale graft, however.