Information Technology in the War Against International Bribery and Corruption: The Next Frontier of Institutional Reform

• NCJ Number: 188747
• Journal: Harvard Journal on Legislation Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2001 Pages: 67-102
• Author(s): Steven R. Salbu
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 36 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article surveys recent legislative and institutional reform efforts aimed at curbing international bribery and corruption.

Abstract

A brief background discussion explores the issues currently facing the global economy with regard to bribery and corruption. This is followed by a review of the history of the modern anti-corruption movement, with attention to three types of change agents: corporations, non-government organizations, and governments. The author then argues that anti-bribery legislation is both ineffective and inefficient and suggests that the "frontier of the next frontier," i.e., of institutional change, is public policy aimed at optimizing the speed of global information technology diffusion. The article then explains how enhanced information technology diffusion in developing nations can curb corruption, particularly when effective administrative supports are in place. The concluding section discusses how enhanced access to global information technology would drive inclusive transnational colloquy by closing the global digital divide, thereby fostering a worldwide value convergence on corruption issues. 251 footnotes