| |
| author |
Bongiwe Bongwe
| | title |
Redefining Corruption
| | abstract |
The topic of corruption in a globalised world is a critical issue of study. This thesis seeks
to challenge the dominant definition of corruption. Corruption is understood as the abuse of
entrusted power by public officials for private gain, however, this approach largely informed by
the work of Transparency International and its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), completely
misses the complexity of corruption. The mixed qualitative and quantitative data presented in
this thesis through the Strategic Arms Package (SAP), commonly known as the South African
Arms Deal of 1999, reveal that corruption is a borderless, global and systemic problem.
Ultimately, my claim is that the dominant construction of corruption frames it as a governance
failing on the part of poor and developing states but remains largely silent on the corruption
practiced by Western states. Furthermore, the conventional literature does not consider the role
that global economic powers play in exporting corruption across borders to developing countries.
All in all, the findings of this South African case study make an argument for a more honest and
fair definition of corruption. A redefined conceptualisation of corruption will be beneficial for
the anti-corruption movement and creation of strong institutions.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2020)
|
| advisor |
Jason Jordan
|
| full text | BBongwe.pdf |
| |
