Corruption in Fragile States

Abstract

Policy recommendations:

Confronting corruption is part and parcel of building legitimacy and public confidence in fragile states. Corruption creates instability and inefficiency. The tendencies to defer anti-corruption to “a later stage” therefore fail to ensure an essential component of stabilisation. A careful analysis of the political and social basis of corruption and potential drivers for change is essential. “Blueprints” of anti-corruption activities taken from other contexts could be harmful in fragile situations. Donor countries have a strong responsibility to safeguard their interventions (including business corporations and military operations) against corruption to avoid signalling tolerance for corruption.