Corruption Quote by Sarah Chayes
““Corruption, it made plain, was not solely a humanitarian affair, an issue touching on principles or values alone. It was a matter of national security—Afghan national security and, by extension, that of the United States. And if corruption was driving people to violent revolt in Afghanistan, it was probably doing likewise in other places. Acute government corruption may in fact lie at the root of some of the world’s most dangerous and disruptive security challenges—among them the spread of violent extremism. That basic fact, elusive to this day, is what this book seeks to demonstrate.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Punishment of Corruption, Sarah Chayes, 2015
Corruption undermines national security by fueling violence and extremism, making it a strategic threat beyond moral concerns.
In simple terms: Corruption threatens security, not just morality.
Key Takeaway
Treat corruption as a security issue.
Themes
security
corruption
extremism
policy
governance
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
analytical
policy
When to use this quote
- foreign policy analysis
- development aid planning
- anti‑corruption program design
Key Concepts
political risk
state fragility
terrorism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does corruption affect everyday citizens?
- What policies can reduce corruption’s security impact?
A Different Perspective
Corruption also has economic and social costs that may outweigh security concerns.
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