Are we a seduced or corrupted society (2.0)?

Are we a seduced or corrupted society (2.0)?

An analysis of the two poles of a phenomenon such as “seduction” and “corruption” in society, especially in countries like Albania and the Balkan region, is fundamental to understanding the roots and consequences of these phenomena. In an analysis published years ago with the same title (in Albanian), we elaborated on what we thought back then. Today, we are bringing you a more recent version.

Collective seduction in the reality of recent decades includes motives that are often related to the dream of quick and easy success, often without merit.
The desire to have luxury and social status seems to have become a widespread obsession, pushing individuals and groups of individuals to follow dishonest paths. A major influence in this direction comes from the culture of influencers and media idols, who often promote wealth and luxurious life, tempting people to follow “shortcuts”.
Given the weakening of the educational and educational system and the weak cooperation between families and schools, it has affected that moral and ethical values ​​are not clearly conveyed in society and individuals are often focused only on material gain by.

A corrupt society is not just an act of individuals, but a system that encompasses entire structures. Thus, laws that remain unimplemented and institutions that serve powerful individuals, not citizens, have created the conditions for an environment where corruption thrives. Meanwhile, throughout these decades, the capable and honest have remained unsupported, while the corrupt have advanced rapidly and with impunity for their transgressions. As a result, when a society accepts corruption as a “normal” part of life, it becomes a culture.

In Albania, the line between these two concepts is thin and often intertwined.

For example, corrupt politicians, not only have benefited and continue to benefit illegally, but they lure the public with empty promises, while behind the scenes they promote personal interests. Given this distorted model, the ordinary citizen considers the right path to follow the example of those who benefit undeservedly, by not denouncing corruption and seeking to benefit from it.

This observation highlights a critical challenge in Albanian society, which is in a position of normalizing corruption and a societal shift towards the lure of short-term, non-meritocratic incentives.

A deeper analysis of this phenomenon reveals that the main reasons associated with this highly charged situation are:

1. Indifference to political corruption

Decades of widespread corruption have desensitized the public, making it seem like an unchanging aspect of governance. The constant exposure of corruption scandals involving government officials, such as the misuse of public funds, nepotism, or rigged tenders, often generates short-term outrage, but rarely results in significant accountability. For example, infrastructure projects can cost disproportionately more than estimated, with little public outcry.

This has contributed to a state of social apathy, as many feel powerless to demand accountability.

Society has become desensitized, seeing these behaviors as inevitable. Meanwhile, politicians and media and influencer individuals seduced by politicians or even collaborators with them use propaganda to shift attention or justify their actions.

Repeated scandals without meaningful consequences have had their effect by eroding trust in institutions, as well as discouraging civic engagement.

A prevailing belief that “all politicians are the same” reduces the motivation to promote systemic change.

In this situation, transparency initiatives, such as: investigations by the prosecution body, independent media investigations or online platforms that monitor government spending (e.g., Altax, Polifakt, Faktoje, etc.) have an impact on a daily basis to engage citizens in the mandatory accountability process.

2. Attracted by easy, non-meritocratic motives

High unemployment and limited market and economic opportunities push individuals to seek quick, often unethical routes to success, such as connections or bribery. Meanwhile, employment in public administration often depends on connections or political affiliation rather than qualifications. For example, young graduates may find it impossible to secure a job without personal connections, regardless of their credentials. Talented individuals feel marginalized and either emigrate or disengage, while less competent individuals in key roles weaken institutional performance.

A strong influence comes from the emphasis on wealth and status over hard work and integrity reflecting a deeper cultural shift influenced by the ideals of other countries and domestic failures.

Many Albanians abroad send money home, creating unrealistic expectations of success without visible effort, further undermining the value of meritocracy.

These are the poisonous realities that have long been pressing for honest citizens to introduce merit-based recruitment systems with third-party oversight, discouraging employment based on political and nepotistic patronage.

But if all groups interested in seriously combating corruption engage in encouraging whistleblowing at work and in the community of manifestations of material enticements, and strive to create a positive spirit of protection for whistleblowers, as is the case in communities in developed countries, they can also help expose unfair practices. On the other hand, the diaspora often has the resources and influence to exert pressure on governments and to fund independent initiatives.

The diaspora can bring successful models from other countries and inspire a change in mindset.

3. Social consequences

Talented individuals may feel discouraged, leaving for opportunities abroad instead of contributing to society. The reason for these decisions is the environment we live in without meritocratic principles, where innovation and development are slowed down, perpetuating systemic inefficiency.

Many young Albanians are drawn to informal or illegal activities, such as smuggling or participation in unfair profit schemes. These paths often promise wealth without the need for hard work or skill.

A society that values ​​shortcuts over effort risks losing its ethical foundation, leading to further division and disillusionment. This undermines societal trust and encourages a culture where illegality is normalized as a means to success.

Promoting entrepreneurship with serious government support and mentoring programs can provide legitimate paths to financial stability.

4. The role of the media in perpetuating indifference

The media, education and civil society should highlight the costs of corruption and the benefits of meritocracy. Albanian media sometimes focuses on sensationalism rather than investigative journalism. Politicians often control or influence the mainstream media, shaping public discourse to minimize corruption.

The lack of investigative reporting weakens public understanding of systemic issues and perpetuates apathy. But if a social environment is created that is empowered by local communities to hold officials and politicians accountable, this approach can challenge indifference. Also, if the media were to focus much more heavily on promoting success stories based on merit, we think it could foster a cultural shift towards a new mindset untainted by materialistic temptations.

In this sense, supporting independent journalism through grants or international partnerships can strengthen the role of the media in holding power to account.

Independent journalists have, as far as they can, created a spirit based on investigating and publishing cases of corruption to expose those responsible, but the environment in which they give and take still keeps the possibilities of turning into a mass approach closed.

However, the opening of online spaces where citizens can denounce corruption anonymously or directly, as well as educating the public through documentaries, articles and programs that highlight the importance of honesty and transparency is gradually strengthening another mindset that can be embraced by the healthy part of Albanian society.

5. The failure of the education system to promote meritocracy

Cheating on exams or bribing professors for grades is common in universities, fostering a mentality where success can be bought rather than earned.

This devalues ​​education, with long-term effects on the workforce and innovation.

Again, strengthening educational reforms, such as digital exams, quality and integrity in professor recruitment, and other measures such as anonymous grades, can reduce corruption in the education system. Promoting merit-based achievements with public recognition can also foster change in this regard.

6. Civil Society and Grassroots Efforts

Various organizations that monitor the actions and policies of the government and other public institutions have raised awareness of issues of corruption and governance. While they have faced challenges and pressures from the corruption camp, their campaigns demonstrate the potential of civil society to mobilize action.

Small groups and independent organizations are launching and strengthening initiatives to promote change. These groups are helping to raise awareness about corruption and injustice.

Peaceful protests, media campaigns, and public actions are becoming powerful tools to force the government to react.

Meanwhile, international organizations, embassies, and global partners are still not on the front lines of providing technical and financial assistance to local organizations fighting corruption, despite their vocal support.

However, the growing number of organizations that are now committed to monitoring corruption and poor governance practices motivated by material temptations is showing that public apathy is not universal and that change is possible with sustained effort.

Expanding support for such organizations through funding and legal protections can amplify their impact.

What can we address to manage collective seduction and prevent corruption?

In this environment that cannot be undone by the above alone, supporting new parties or independent individuals who represent change and honesty is also very valuable.
Individuals in new parties or supporters of change must dare to speak out and use the right platforms to denounce cases of abuse.
Every individual can make a difference by being an example of honesty and refusing to participate in corrupt practices.

Change rarely comes quickly in societies where corruption is entrenched and naturally requires patience and perseverance. This approach to combating collective temptation is a gradual process that is built in small and sustainable steps.

Moreover, change is not easy, but it is necessary for a just and sustainable society. Where the cycle of seduction and corruption is broken, a new era of prosperity begins.
Even less, change does not come easily when the government is part of the problem, but the power of a united and aware society can overcome any obstacle.

To overcome corruption and lack of political will, citizens must become agents of change. As the saying goes, “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”
In Albania, the lack of hope and the fear of action are among the greatest challenges to achieving change. This situation stems from a long history of disappointment, persistent corruption, and a lack of trust in institutions and political leaders. However, even in such circumstances, the history of other countries has shown that change is possible when it starts from the grassroots, with the people themselves.

When political will is lacking and governments do not support change, transforming a society becomes challenging, but not impossible. History has shown that change often comes from pressure from civil society, the engagement of dedicated individuals, and the raising of collective consciousness.

Albania is part of the European integration processes. The EU and other international organizations can exert more pressure on Albanian leaders to implement the necessary reforms. Civil society must insist that this pressure be intensified.

Change will not come if people give up in the face of difficulties. It is understandable that frustration and lack of trust make people feel powerless, but every society has a turning point. In Albania, this point can come when even a small minority decides to no longer accept the status quo and take action, inspiring others to join in. Nothing changes all at once, but every small step towards change counts.

Is the perception that foreigners are part of the problem by supporting corrupt leaders accurate?

Changing the perception that foreigners are part of the problem is a delicate and complex issue in the Albanian context and in the wider Balkans. This idea has deep roots in the history and political experiences of the region, where foreign interventions have often been seen as linked to supporting corrupt leadership or their own strategic interests.

Changing the perception that foreigners are part of the problem is a delicate and complex issue in the Albanian context and in the wider Balkans. This idea has deep roots in the history and political experiences of the region, where foreign interventions have often been seen as linked to supporting corrupt leadership or their own strategic interests.

In some cases, this perception has solid foundations:

First, geopolitical interests have often guided powerful countries and international organizations to support corrupt leaders to maintain stability or to realize their own strategic interests, leaving aside the priority of democracy and justice. Albania has a strategic position in the Balkans, and some states may focus more on maintaining this stability than on demanding accountability and fighting corruption.

While assistance and support for political stability are necessary to maintain peace in the region, this can become a reason to support corrupt regimes to avoid further insecurity. When a country has strong interests with international partners, its corruption may more easily pass unnoticed. On the other hand, less influential countries may be under more pressure to fight corruption and implement reforms.
International partners may have economic interests, such as investment, trade, and natural resources, and may sometimes tolerate malpractices to ensure that these interests remain secure. In some cases, foreigners who are committed to helping Albania are often willing to tolerate behavior that would be unacceptable in their home countries, in the name of political stability or economic benefits.

Second, the lack of effective pressure has often facilitated the positioning of international institutions, which have been lenient towards corruption and abuses by Albanian governments, seeing them as useful partners in the region. In many cases, foreign missions have had a weak or insufficient approach in supporting institutions that fight corruption and money laundering. While committed to a more integrated Albania in the EU, the pressure to implement deep reforms has often been lacking, leading to a failure to create a sustainable and fair system.
Often, foreign missions have supported governments that have had a positive image in the international arena, but have not exerted sufficient pressure to fight corruption and abuses.
Sometimes, foreign missions have focused on reforms of a technical or partial nature (such as public administration reform) without seeking a deep systemic change that could address corruption at high levels.

Third, support through funding from some international programs has ended up supporting corrupt structures, due to the lack of transparency and monitoring of the effectiveness of the funds. International missions often have double standards regarding support to different countries, evaluating them in different ways, depending on political and economic relations. This creates a double perception, where corruption and direct violations can be tolerated for the sake of other interests.

Fourth, foreign missions can try to build partnerships with all parties to ensure cooperation, as this is an essential part of international politics. This can lead to a softer stance towards leaders who may need to maintain political stability in a difficult period.

To secure support for important projects, compromises can be made that include support for corrupt leaders in order to advance geopolitical or economic interests. However, there are also cases where this perception is exaggerated, such as in cases where corrupt governments and leaders have often blamed foreigners for their failures to divert attention from domestic responsibilities.

In doing so, they have created an alibi based on a history of foreign intervention, which has created a general skepticism towards any form of international engagement, even when the intentions are positive.

Should the perception change?

Yes!
The perception needs to change, but not through denial of reality, but through a more nuanced understanding of the situation we live in and interact in according to each person’s ways and cultures.

First, we believe that it is important to understand that foreign aid has been useful, especially in supporting important reforms in the justice system, fighting corruption, and building institutions.

The EU integration process is one of the main drivers for positive change in Albania. This is an initiative that should be supported and not prejudiced.

Second, instead of being seen as an attack on foreigners, the demand for more transparency in the way they support leaders or projects should be the norm. Albanians should demand that international institutions be stricter on corruption and impunity in local governments. Albanian civil society and media can play a key role in monitoring international engagement and in fostering a more open debate on double standards, thereby encouraging stronger demands for accountability from foreigners. Every honest citizen should demand that international partners be stricter and more demanding in their engagement with the Albanian government, demanding more transparency and direct action to fight corruption.

Third, change cannot be based solely on expectations of foreigners. Albanian leaders and society must take responsibility for changing the situation. Foreigners cannot replace political will and citizen pressure.
Instead of seeing that “foreigners are to blame”, it should be emphasized that corruption comes from within and can only be fought with a collective commitment of Albanians.

Fourth, it is very appropriate that in times when we live with a lot of incorrect or false information, we move away from conspiracy theories. Raising awareness among citizens not to see every foreign act as intentional or harmful.
Learning to analyze every international action by distinguishing between constructive support and narrow interests.

Foreign organizations and partners are neither always to blame nor saviors. They have an important role in the process of Albania’s transformation, but ultimately, change depends on Albanians themselves. Constant external blaming for internal problems does not bring solutions. Instead, an approach that combines self-reflection with constructive engagement with international partners can help break the cycle of corruption and stagnation.

Many times, foreign missions may support corrupt leaders or tolerate corruption in order to maintain political and economic stability in the region.

In this regard, they can review their policies to ensure that support for Albania is consistent with democratic standards and accountability. This could include more pressure to implement sustainable reforms and fight corruption effectively.

The perception that international missions have hypocritical approaches and use double standards has a strong basis in the reality of international relations. However, it is possible to change this attitude, increasing demands for transparency, accountability, and a sincere commitment to deep reform.

This requires close cooperation between civil society, the media, and international partners to ensure a more fair and sustainable future for Albania.

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