What is 'Blat,' a key concept for understanding the Epstein scandal?
Jeffrey Epstein, who was involved in a major scandal for sexually exploiting minors, attracted attention to the so-called 'Epstein files' because the names of those involved were included in the documents released by court order. As a clue to understanding the structure of such a network of people, author Elvira Barry discusses 'Blat' on her YouTube channel.
According to Barry, Blat is 'a system that works when, even though there are official rules on the surface, simply following those rules won't get you the goods or services you need.'
While 'Blat' is often translated as 'corruption,' Barry argues that this is insufficient. Rather than referring to isolated acts of wrongdoing like corruption, it's a broader concept of obtaining things that cannot be obtained through official systems by leveraging personal connections and networks, or getting things done outside of the official framework.
Wikipedia describes Blat as 'a system in Russia where people obtained what they needed or gained an advantage through informal exchanges of favors and services, personal connections, party ties, and black market transactions.' It was particularly widely used in the Soviet Union, where goods and services were chronically scarce.
Barry also stated that 'in the Soviet Union, Blat was not a special loophole, but a part of everyday life.' This was because even if you studied diligently, followed the rules, lined up as instructed, and paid your money properly, you could still be at a disadvantage.
As an example, Barry recounts a story he heard from his childhood friend, Olya. Olya's mother was an international flight attendant and traveled abroad for work, which allowed her to bring back items that were generally difficult to obtain. For example, colorful hair ties, pens with caps, and sometimes even lace underwear. People who wanted these items would try to become 'friends' with her mother.
Barry explains that the key here is 'not to explicitly state that you expect something in return.' For example, by giving gifts, staying in contact, or doing small acts of kindness before being asked, an invisible sense of 'give and take' gradually accumulates, and when the time comes, the relationship built up over time will come into play.
Furthermore, Barry gives the example of 'gold teeth.' When an ordinary citizen wants to get a gold tooth, they trust the system, bring in the gold themselves, and expect the dentist to properly treat it. However, Barry says that in reality, the dentist may secretly remove the gold and replace it with a cheaper alloy, and the patient may not even know, and even if they suspect something, there may be no way to prove it.
On the other hand, people with personal connections can go to the dentist not just as patients, but as 'an acquaintance of Olya's mother.' Barry says this significantly changes how the dentist treats them, making it easier to receive proper treatment. Barry explains this difference as the difference between people who take the system at face value and those who have personal connections.
Furthermore, Barry states that those who believe in the system believe in the pretense that 'if you do the right thing, the system will properly reward you,' while those who have connections understand that 'the system is merely a superficial mechanism, and the actual decisions are made behind the scenes.'
Barry argues that what's important in this system isn't the politicians themselves, but the people who connect people and act as intermediaries. Olya's mother wasn't a minister or a particularly talented individual, but her ability to fly and access foreign goods made her valuable to those in power.
Barry explains that people who have access to such rare things are more likely to be relied upon by others or to introduce them to other people, and as a result, they become central figures in informal networks that operate on personal connections.
Barry concludes by saying that if everyone understands that 'official systems are merely for show,' then circumventing the system itself will become the actual system.
The word 'Blat' is not meant to justify illegal activities. Barry explains 'Blat' as a term that describes a structure in which, even in societies with formal systems in place, personal relationships and the accumulation of favors and debts can actually influence how things proceed.
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in Video, Posted by log1b_ok