Corruption can be mutualistic cooperation among partners.

Evidence

Jack Abramoff, one of the most notorious lobbyists in the last decade, made millions of dollars by delivering huge profits to his clients at the expense of others and the public good (Stone 2006). Abramoff’s relationship with the legislators was a classic example of mutualistic cooperation. He provided money to the legislators and, in return, the legislators provided their votes on key issues. This is precisely the sort of phenomenon for which Baumard et al.’s theory offers an elegant explanation. — Nicolas Baumard, A mutualistic approach to morality, 564

Categorization

• SHARE: The Abramoff corruption-as-mutualism example is a sharp, narrow tidbit to send to someone interested in either political ethics or evolutionary cooperation.
• XREF: connects to: Mutual aid must remain equitable or helpers are judged as poor partners — Nicolas Baumard, A mutualistic approach to morality: The…, 101; Traditional community bonds bring corruption and intolerance as well as civic benefit. — Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone: America’s Declining…, 77; Corruption scandals form a network of complicities, not isolated incidents — Mark Fisher (edited by Darren Ambrose), K-Punk: The Collected and Unpublished…, 1568