Introduction

Corruption is a universal problem. The principal variations are the form it takes and its consequences. There is not even agreement on what constitutes "corruption." Actions deemed to be corrupt in one country might be acceptable in another. The inability of the negotiators of 2003's U.N. Convention Against Corruption to arrive at an agreed definition illustrates this point. However corruption is defined, Russian and foreign government officials, businessmen, lawyers and academics agree that corruption in Russia is at an unacceptably high level and has serious consequences for ...