How did the Cultural Revolution contribute to corruption in the Chinese Communist Party and government?

The Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) significantly contributed to the growth of corruption within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the government by creating an environment of extreme instability and scarcity.12

During this period, the widespread terror and the resulting shortages of essential goods disrupted the normal functioning of the state. To navigate these difficult conditions and ensure that necessary tasks were completed, individuals were forced to rely on traditional personal relationships and engage in extortion. These survival strategies undermined formal administrative processes and fostered a culture of corruption that persisted as a long-term legacy of the era.12

Furthermore, the movement’s focus on political power plays—often conducted under the guise of ideological principle—led to a broader loss of legitimacy for the CCP leadership and the political system as a whole, further eroding the integrity of governance.12