144. Peter Hain on liberation and corruption

Why do liberation movements that fight for freedom so often succumb to corruption once in power? In this episode, Liz David-Barrett speaks with Lord Peter Hain about his new book Liberation and Corruption: Why Freedom Movements Fail. Drawing on his personal connection to South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and examining cases from Nicaragua to India, Peter explores how movements that come to power with inspiring values end up replicating the corruption of their predecessors. The conversation examines the role of global finance, professional enablers, and neoliberal pressures in facilitating grand corruption, while also highlighting South Africa's remarkable ability to confront state capture through mechanisms like the Zondo Commission. Peter also reflects on what individuals can do to resist systemic corruption and the personal costs of standing up against it. Peter Hain- Liberation and Corruption: Why Freedom Movements Fail https://www.peterhain.uk/p/liberation-and-corruption-why-freedom