Most people in post-communist societies believe that corruption is widespread, and that they, too, must play the game because "the system" compels them to do so. But what system exactly? What are the structures and mechanisms of corruption in post-communist societies? And why is this corruption so pervasive and hard to fight? This is the first comprehensive and comparative study of the origin, nature, and consequences of corruption in post-communist societies. While international and regional policy makers decry corruption as a major hurdle to democratic development, The System Made Me Do It suggests innovative and practical strategies for containing corruption. At once scholarly and pragmatic, and not specifically tied to current events, the book is destined to become a classic among students of the region as well as a broader audience of policy makers and reform activists.