Corruption: A Review of Issues.

This paper provides a historical overview of the concept of corruption, the existing models for studying it, and the main costs that corruption imposes on the economy and society at large. Corruption was first understood as a disturbance of thebalance of state power, andlaterasthe immoralityofpoliticalpatronage and favouritism of certain groups. It evolved from the public sphere to the intertwining of the public and private spheres, from a political issue to the intertwining of political and economic issues. The fight against corruption evolved from the maintenance of necessary checks and balances, from moral struggles against a system of privilege, to a major motive for state policy. Looking at all these aspects allows us to understand the origins and evolution of corruption and why the fight against corruption is seen as a way to lead »failed countries«, politically backward and immoral societies, to the right path of political virtue. By understanding the historical evolution of corruption and its various forms, institutions and countries in general can develop more targeted and effective anti-corruption policies to limit the occurrence of corruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]