Corruption and democracy / Michael T. Rock

What is the impact of democracy on corruption? In most models, analysts assume a negative relationship, with more democracy leading to less corruption. But recent theoretical developments and case evidence support an inverted U relationship between corruption and democracy. By drawing on a panel data set covering a large number of countries between 1996 and 2003, substantial empirical support is found for an inverted U relationship between democracy and corruption. The turning point in corruption occurs rather early in the life of new democracies and at rather low per capita incomes.
Corruption and Democracy: What We Know -- Data and Hypothesis Tests -- Conclusions.

18 p. : graph, tables

Includes bibliographical references (p. 17-18).