CORRUPTION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLITICS IN LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES: PRESENT-DAY CHALLENGES AND TRENDS

Corruption keeps being one of the most urgent problems for many Latin American countries. At the same time, Russia is often mentioned as similar to Latin America at this point. The article explores particular qualities of corruption in Latin America and reveals its common and distinctive features in comparison with the Russian case. The conclusion is drawn that in spite of undoubted similarities like the scale of corruption in state apparatus and its "systemic" character, the main difference is between main actors and beneficiaries of corruption in Russia and Latin America. The author analyzes basic features of anti-corruption strategies, implemented by ruling groups in Latin American countries, the achieved success and existing problems. The article reveals that effective control over corruption could not be achieved by administrative and political means only. The way to solve the problem lies in cooperation of state and civil society.