Brexit and Beyond with Elizabeth David-Barrett

·31 min·3 clips

Professor Elizabeth David-Barrett defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

The episode begins with host introducing Elizabeth David-Barrett, a professor at the University of Sussex, as an expert on corruption. She defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, noting it can be legal if laws are changed improperly. David-Barrett explains state capture, originally used to describe oligarchs in Russia, and how it now applies to political leaders altering rules for personal gain. She compares the UK to leaders like Bolsonaro, Modi, and Erdogan, citing examples such as interference with the judiciary and Electoral Commission. The discussion touches on the Owen Paterson case and motives in corruption. David-Barrett expresses concern about disabling checks and balances in the UK, referencing Hungary's decline under Orban. She discusses COVID-19 procurement, noting variations in transparency across countries like Sweden and Ukraine. The conversation shifts to public cynicism about politics and the revolving door between public and private sectors. David-Barrett mentions her work on hackathons in Africa and the G20, but time runs out. She concludes that the UK's reputation for integrity is waning internationally, affecting its ability to preach anti-corruption standards.

As heard by us

A careful conversation about corruption, political conventions and the damage caused when safeguards rely on restraint.

Corruption is framed as a test of democratic restraint, with Elizabeth David-Barrett giving the idea useful shape through the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

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Why you'd press play

You want the political shouting translated into a clear question about entrusted power, private gain and democratic restraint.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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