> Isn't it a bit contradictory? If corruption really is an inevitable consequence of power, then there is not much free will involved.

On the contrary. Unlimited power allows one to express their free will to a degree most people could only ever dream of. Given all the power in the world, what do humans do with it? Abuse others.

To extend an olive branch, the determinism debate doesn't have a neat answer. I could make compelling arguments for both sides. However determinism isn't just about social conditioning. It also requires accepting uncomfortable arguments about biology and genetics. If one is not willing to accept that humans are born non-equally capable of cognitive and physical tasks, they have no choice but to accept the premise of free will.