RIACS – Associates' Publications

Public Integrity and Trust in Europe
Authors: Alina Mungiu-Pippidi et al., European Research Centre for Anti-Corruption and State-Building (ERCAS), Hertie School of Governance
Abstract: The results showed that citizens define corruption broadly as they look at a societies capacity to value merit (hard work and competence) as a source of success instead of (political) connections. The report provides an alternative to the use of subjective perceptions of trust and corruption by providing 6 quantitative indicators that can explain corruption control within countries. The results presented are intended to serve as input for the Dutch Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2016. It is part of the ongoing international dialogue on strengthening evidence based integrity and anti-corruption policies for the public administration.

From Underdogs to Watchdogs: How Anti-Corruption Agencies Can Hold Off Potent Adversaries
Author: Gabriel Kuris
Abstract: Leaders of anti-corruption agencies frequently encounter opposition from powerful beneficiaries of existing corruption. Those antagonists often seek to neutralize the agencies by weakening the agencies’ credibility, legal power, or operations. Drawing from ISS interviews and case studies, this cross-cutting report explores responses to this strategic challenge by agencies in eight countries (Botswana, Croatia, Ghana, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, and Slovenia). The leaders and staff of those agencies worked to overcome opposition by recruiting allies, instituting internal controls to bolster transparency and accountability, pursuing low-visibility preventive efforts, and carefully assessing the pros and cons of high-level investigations. The outcomes of their efforts point to conditions that shape effectiveness and suggest possible workarounds or alternative approaches for anti-corruption agencies in adverse circumstances.

Public Corruption in the United States: Analysis of a Destructive Phenomenon (2022)
Author: Jeff Cortese
Publisher: Routledge
Abstract: Public Corruption in the United States provides a comprehensive view of public corruption, including discussion on the types, methods, trends, challenges, and overall impact. It is the first book of its kind to examine in plain language the breadth of criminal public corruption in the United States, not just at a superficial level, but in a deeper context. By critically examining acts of corruption of both elected and appointed government officials (legislators, law enforcement, judges, and other hired or nonelected public officials) at the local, state, and federal levels, the reader gains insight into the inner workings of corruption, including its relationship to terrorism and organized criminal networks. Using simple language and easy-to-understand examples, this book is about empowering investigators, compliance professionals, educators, public officials, and everyday citizens who seek to better serve, support, and protect their communities and their country.

Government Anti-Corruption Strategies: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (2015)
Editors: Yahong Zhang and Cecilia Lavena
Publisher: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract: As a political and social disease, public corruption costs governments and businesses around the world trillions of dollars every year. Government Anti-Corruption Strategies: A Cross-Cultural Perspective provides you with a better understanding of public corruption and governments’ anti-corruption practices. It collects case studies of anti-corruption efforts in several countries, including China, India, South Korea, Nepal, and Central and Eastern European countries. It focuses on developing and transitional countries, where the depth and effects of corruption are especially severe. The cases highlight examples of failure as well as success so that the complexity of corruption issues and the reasons why corruption persists can be better understood. Most of the contributors to each chapter are native to the countries under discussion and provide an insider’s view and analysis.