Fight or Flight? Responding to Corruption and Injustice

Political Corruption Forces out its Opponents

How do people respond to conflicts with organizations or nations that they are part of? Over 50 years ago, Albert Hirschman proposed that people choose between two methods of prompting change within the organization or nation: they can use their voice within the system to protest for change or they can deprive the system of their resources by choosing to leave, which is seen as a last resort. Research into the pernicious effects of political corruption suggests that this can lead to a vicious cycle, as those most aware and bothered by the corruption decide to leave, which robs the population of effective voices against national corruption. 
 

Promoting Democracy through Democratic and Financial Remittances

Oppressive governments often try to force political dissidents to leave by increasing the costs of them staying and promoting change. For example, in 2023 Nicaragua expelled 222 political prisoners to the United States, stripping them of their citizenship. However, research suggests that this method may not be effective at silencing dissidents. Interviews with thirty Russian emigrants to the European Union show how they are able to use their voices from outside of Russia to promote change and share democratic messages. The ability to promote democratic change from the outside is not restricted to political activists. Research suggests that financial remittances also promote democratic development, as the income empowers middle and working class citizens to demand the protection of their political rights and economic stability. These findings remind us that democracy promotion takes place not only inside of countries, but also outside of them, with the diasporas and external activists.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!”