This is a special post for quick takes by hawkebia. Only they can create top-level comments. Comments here also appear on the Quick Takes page and All Posts page.
Have any EA interventions involved paying bribes to local officials, directly or indirectly? How would funders respond to a project that shows good evidence and great promise, but requires some allocation for "grease payments"?
There are major "Keep Calm and Carry On" vibes in this community to the the FTX situation; ends don't justify the means, no true EA would commit fraud etc. But there is some serious thinking and discussion required to understand when and to what extent actions considered unethical are acceptable in service of effective change.
Are Bribes Justified?
Have any EA interventions involved paying bribes to local officials, directly or indirectly? How would funders respond to a project that shows good evidence and great promise, but requires some allocation for "grease payments"?
There are major "Keep Calm and Carry On" vibes in this community to the the FTX situation; ends don't justify the means, no true EA would commit fraud etc. But there is some serious thinking and discussion required to understand when and to what extent actions considered unethical are acceptable in service of effective change.