When Power Corrupts

When Power Corrupts is the remarkable true story of Paul Russell, who arrived in Africa as a young police officer during the final years of colonial rule, never imagining he would stay, let alone dedicate his life to the continent.

Spanning decades and countries, his memoir traces a career confronting corruption, organised crime, and wildlife trafficking at the highest levels. From advising Presidents Kaunda and Chiluba to leading investigations across Zambia, the UK, India and beyond, Russell reflects with unflinching honesty on power, justice and personal integrity.

He exposes the uneasy truths behind donor aid, the dangers of unchecked authoritarianism and the hard-won lessons from post-war recovery work in Sierra Leone and Liberia to reform efforts in Bhutan, the Philippines and Nigeria.

A rare insider account, this is both a gripping personal journey and a call to a new generation-especially in Zambia-to question, understand and engage with the deeper forces shaping their nations.