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[Global Corruption Report, 2004] Introduction
Hodess, Robin
Hodess, Robin
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Abstract
"Political corruption is the abuse of entrusted power by political leaders for private gain, with the objective of increasing power or wealth.2 Political corruption need not involve money changing hands; it may take the form of ‘trading in influence’ or granting favours that poison politics and threaten democracy. Political corruption involves a wide range of crimes and illicit acts committed by political leaders before, during and after leaving office. It is distinct from petty or bureaucratic corruption in so far as it is perpetrated by political leaders or elected officials who have been vested with public authority and who bear the responsibility of representing the public interest. There is also a supply side to political corruption – the bribes paid to politicians – that must be addressed. Political corruption is an obstacle to transparency in public life. In established democracies, the loss of faith in politics and lack of trust in politicians and parties challenge democratic values, a trend that has deepened with the exposure of corruption in the past decade.3 In transition and developing states, political corruption threatens the very viability of democracy, as it makes the newer institutions of democracy vulnerable."
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Book chapter
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2004
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074532231X
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With permission of the license/copyright holder