Who Vs. How Much...

In America things usually come down to money, especially with the government. While the people obviously have some influence, whether or not things happen is usually more dependent on whether there are funds (or bonds, etc.) available. It's normal to hear how much money has been allocated in a specific year for road repairs, etc.

Here, positive change is all about who. Money from the government is around, but due to the pervasive corruption sometimes nothing happens (well, things happen, but the money doesn't always get to the community, if you know what I mean). For example, the only construction/repair I remember happening in my town in 2009 was the re-spackling and painting of the walls along a couple streets and the painting of the curbs. We had a change in region leadership earlier this year and even I can tell the difference. Roads are being improved and/or paved. The railroad crossing into town has been repaired. A road is being widened. Major construction to put the canals underground/under roads has begun (although the "like Baku" comparison is a bit of a stretch). There are more sidewalks. And numerous other small things have been done that are improving the town.

Here, one person really can make a difference. If one person stops corruption (or even just some corruption), the community members can really notice the difference. Just think what would happen if there was no corruption.


Transparency International calculates a Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which measures the perceived level of public-sector corruption in 180 countries and territories around the world. Azerbaijan was #143 in 2009. Check out the link for the full country list.
2009 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)