THE PUBLIC SYSTEM OF COMBATING CORRUPTION: SYMBOLIC ASPECTS OF ACTIVITY

The article considers the issues related to symbolic aspects of authorities' activities in countering corruption. The author focuses on symbolic schemes, which are universal for the most parties built-in anti-corruption system. Several of the most considerable and common schemes (logics) are pointed out: the logic of competence, the logic of independence, the logic of procedurality, "inexorable gradualism", and the logic of delegation of responsibility. Analysis of symbolic logics of competence reveals the paradox of competence: if competency of power agency with legal capacity in countering corruption is sufficient, and, in the meantime, corruption exists, then this power agency is being corrupted itself. Study of the symbolic logics, which justify the independence of power agency, allows identifying the following basic techniques: staying above the fray, endless institutionalization, and appeal to the "higher" authority. In its turn, the logic of delegating responsibility comprises the logic of delegating responsibility to the "lower" and "higher" institutions, as well as the logic of delegating responsibility to public at large, or laying the blame on the circumstances of insuperable force. The author concludes that growing role in symbolic politics of power agencies is assigned to the logics of procedurality, which are expectedly aimed at minimizing the corruption problem and postponed result in anti-corruption activities.