Press Releases
Experts Discuss Corruption In Post Soviet States
August 22, 2006
On August 22 in Almaty and August 24 in Astana, the American Embassy will present the Russian translation of The System Made Me Do It: Corruption in Post-Soviet Societies, by Rasma Karklins, professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Karklins has written what is described as the first comprehensive study of the origin, nature, and consequences of corruption in post-communist countries.
As part of the book presentation, Dr. Karklins and other distinguished guests will participate in panel discussions in both cities about corruption. Transparency Kazakhstan executive director Sergey Zlotnikov and other Kazakhstani experts will provide perspectives about corruption in Kazakhstan.
From The System Made Me Do It: “Strike up a conversation with a citizen from the post-communist region, and invariably the talk will turn to the topic of corruption—the misuse of public power for private gain. People are sure that corruption is widespread, whether from their own experiences or stories they have heard from others. They feel frustrated that there seems to be nothing they can do about it. . . . And many are cynical: they feel that they, too, have to play the game because ‘the system’ compels them to do so.
“But what system exactly? What are the structures and mechanisms of corruption in post-communist societies? Why is this corruption so pervasive and hard to fight?
“. . . While international actors decry corruption as a major impediment to democracy building and economic development, the problem is not well understood. This book fills the gap and suggests innovative and practical institutional strategies for containing corruption. It achieves a rare . . . balance of disciplined analysis, practicality, and passion.”
The book presentation on August 22 will be at the Ankara Hotel in Almaty at 16:00. Nurbulat Masanov of the Almaty branch of the Polyton Discussion Club will moderate the event. Renowned scholar on Kazakhstan Martha Brill Olcott will take part in this discussion.
On August 24, the book presentation will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Astana at 15:00. Zauresh Battalova of the Astana branch of Polyton will moderate this discussion, in which special guest Beth Jones, former ambassador to Kazakhstan and former assistant secretary of state, will participate.
If you would like to cover one of the events, please contact the U.S. embassy Almaty press office at (3272) 50-48-62 or the embassy Astana press office (3172) 58-08-90.
Karklins' book will be available for purchase after September 10 at the "Interlegal" Public Foundation Publishers, 83 Gagarin Street, Almaty 480009. tel.: 77-51-71, e-mail: legal@topmail.kz