The Influence of Democracy on Corruption
The Influence of Democracy on Corruption
This brief is part of the Democracy Action Lab's "The Case for Democracy" series, which curates academic scholarship on democracy’s impacts across various domains of governance and development. Drawing from an exhaustive review of the literature, this analysis presents selected works that encompass significant findings and illustrate how the academic conversation has unfolded.
While regime type alone may not guarantee lower levels of corruption in a country, democratic institutions can shape how corruption operates and mitigate its damaging effects. Democratic mechanisms prove to be more effective when accompanied by credible oversight and enforcement and active citizen participation. Ultimately, reform against corruption depends on aligning political incentives, building durable institutions, and fostering accountability from above and below.