Luxury and Corruption: Challenging the Anti-Corruption Consensus

Images of corrupt oligarchs and kleptocrats have exploited our feelings of injustice, inspiring a desire to purge our economies of dirty money, objects, and people. This book explores the connection between luxury and corruption and offers an alternative to the received wisdom of how we tackle corruption.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In recent years, the world has been inundated with images of the extravagant lifestyles and immense wealth amassed by corrupt oligarchs and kleptocrats, often at the expense of the ordinary people. These images evoke a sense of injustice and serve as a stark reminder of the moral decay prevalent in society. They ignite a longing within us to cleanse our economies of corrupt money, objects, and individuals, seeking to restore a sense of integrity and fairness.

However, despite the widespread commitment to anti-corruption efforts, these initiatives often fall short of achieving their desired outcomes. Why is that? This book delves into the intricate relationship between luxury and corruption, challenging the conventional wisdom on how to address this global issue. Through a comprehensive exploration of luxury art, antiquities, superyachts, and populist politics, it offers an alternative perspective on combating corruption.

One of the key findings of the book is that luxury and corruption are not mutually exclusive phenomena. In many cases, luxury goods and services are created and marketed by individuals or corporations with close ties to corrupt practices. The allure of luxury items, such as expensive cars, jewelry, and designer clothing, can be used as a means of masking illegal activities and laundering money. Moreover, the opulent lifestyles associated with corruption can create a sense of entitlement and impunity, further perpetuating the cycle of corruption.

Another aspect of the book explores the role of populist politics in fostering corruption. Populist leaders often appeal to the grievances of ordinary people, promising to bring about change and restore their sense of pride and dignity. However, these leaders often use their power and influence to enrich themselves and their cronies, rather than serving the interests of their constituents. The pursuit of luxury and the desire for personal gain can override the principles of democracy and accountability, leading to the erosion of democratic institutions and the decline of social welfare.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a multifaceted approach to combating corruption. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in preventing and combating corruption. It also highlights the need for education and awareness-raising campaigns to empower individuals to recognize and report corrupt practices. Additionally, it advocates for stronger international cooperation and collaboration to tackle cross-border corruption, which often involves complex networks of individuals and organizations.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the connection between luxury and corruption. It challenges the conventional wisdom on how to address this global issue and proposes an alternative perspective that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. By understanding the complex dynamics between luxury and corruption, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 233 x 158 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529236330