Korruption

Korruption, often translated as corruption in English, describes the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It occurs in both public administration and the private sector and can take many forms, from small bribes to large-scale embezzlement or influence peddling. By diverting public resources or shaping decisions to benefit a narrow group, it undermines accountability, erodes trust, and weakens the rule of law.

Common forms include bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, clientelism, and illicit political financing. Corruption can be petty, involving routine services, or grand, affecting high-level policy and large public contracts. It may be facilitated by opaque procurement, complex regulations, and the discretionary powers of officials.

Causes include weak institutions, lack of transparency, insufficient checks and balances, and low salaries that incentivize seeking private gain. Economic development, political financing, and cultural norms can shape the prevalence of corruption. Corruption often exploits gaps between formal rules and actual practices.

It reduces public service quality, distorts markets, and deters investment. It can exacerbate inequality, shift burdens to ordinary citizens, and undermine democratic legitimacy. Illicit financial flows linked to corruption drain resources from development and impede long-term growth.

Indicators such as the Corruption Perceptions Index and other governance metrics seek to quantify perceived or experienced corruption. International frameworks, notably the United Nations Convention against Corruption, promote anti-corruption measures and cooperation across borders.

Policy responses include transparency and accountability in budgeting and procurement, an independent judiciary, whistleblower protection, audits, and e-government initiatives. Civil society and media scrutiny, together with international cooperation, play a crucial role in detection and reform.