Rethinking Corruption: Reasons Behind the Failure of Anti-Corruption Efforts [Hardcover]

Corruption is perversely useful. It helps both those in government, and those opposing it. Consequently, eliminating it is difficult.The book is relevant to persons interested in public governance, comparative politics and the politics of Brazil, Russia, and the United States. It would also be accessible to Ph.D. and motivated upper-division students, and to practitioners. The arguments are presented rigorously, but also in a captivating manner.The book is relevant to persons interested in public governance, comparative politics and the politics of Brazil, Russia, and the United States. It would also be accessible to Ph.D. and motivated upper-division students, and to practitioners. The arguments are presented rigorously, but also in a captivating manner.Why have anti-corruption efforts often failed? Current thinking on corruption has largely overlooked the profound implications of its contested nature, which paradoxically makes it an effective yet highly dysfunctional 'tool of government.' As a tool of government, it helps execute policies and guarantees a degree of political order. Moreover, anti-corruption measures are wielded as political instruments, strategically embraced by governments and oppositions to further their respective agendas. Based on an analysis of Russia, Brazil and the United States, Rethinking Corruption takes a fresh look at corruption and critiques the prevailing view of anti-corruption policies. Embarking on a captivating journey through these countries, this book encompasses the notion of legal corruption and invites a comprehensive reconsideration of corruption, with a focal point on questions of economic and political equality.Part I. Laying the Groundwork: 1. Introduction; 2. The consensus on corruption; 3. The mutual shaping of measures and concept; 4. Of causality and historical junctures; 5. What we talk about when we talk about corruption: some methodological considerations; Part II. Three Case Studies: 6. The carrot and the stick:l.