Sarah Chayes
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Breaking the Wall of Corruption: Why Curbing Kleptocracy Is Essential to Global Security
The network model, or operating system model, of corruption creates a serious security risk because it risks driving citizens to violence and joining insurgent groups.
Carnegie’s Sarah Chayes discussed the network model, or operating system model, of corruption with audiences at the Falling Walls conference in Berlin. She explained that this style of corruption, which inflames the indignity of average citizens, creates a serious security risk because it risks driving those citizens to violence and recruitment in insurgent groups. Additionally, this kind of kleptocratic network operation can also be found operating in force in the developed world, she added. She said that the key to fighting it involves developing widespread social sanctions against it and by keeping it non-partisan.
About the Author
Former Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program
Sarah Chayes is internationally recognized for her innovative thinking on corruption and its implications. Her work explores how severe corruption can help prompt such crises as terrorism, revolutions and their violent aftermaths, and environmental degradation.
- China Financial Markets testCommentary
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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