An inherent problem of running a corrupt state, is that corruption has to be restricted to very limited number of people. This is for two reasons:
- A widely corrupt state is an ineffecient one, and the damage expands geometrically every time it drops a level. There is a huge difference between a few people skimming some off the top and everyone and their brother taking a cut. Once people realize that their supervisors are corrupt, and they can get in the act, they will. Anyone with anything to offer will start to cut deals.
- A widely corrupt state is breeds intrigue, deception, and paranoia. People who risk their lives to cut deals will make sure that their tracks are covered, and that the books are well cooked. Every time that information changes hands, it may change substantially, to reflect the needs of whoever is passing it. This means that high level officials have no reassurance that they know what the real situation is, or who they can really trust. The real economy and centers of power exist off-line; the official line is an obstacle, not to be used except as required.
As the corrupt leaders of North Korea have sown, so shall they reap; a nation rotten to the core, with schemers, liars, and opportunists at every level.
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