Join the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute for an online talk with Jordan Gans-Morse and Matthew Rojansky on the politics of corruption in Russia and Ukraine. 

Protests in Russia’s Far East over the arrest of a popular governor have once more brought persistent official corruption into the national spotlight—even as Vladimir Putin takes a victory lap following his nationwide vote to support extension of his presidency to 2036. Meanwhile in Ukraine, where President Zelensky was elected on the promise of cleaning up corruption and has announced his intent to seek another term, public sentiment has turned negative as progress on reforms appears stymied by familiar political, economic and social forces.

Why is official corruption such a persistent challenge in these two very different systems? What impact has Western pressure and support had on reform efforts? Do sanctions targeting individuals for corrupt activities make a difference? The talk will answer questions such as these. 

The event will be streamed on Facebook Live. 

Speakers:

Jordan Gans-Morse, associate professor, department of political science, Northwestern University

Matthew Rojansky, director, Kennan Institute