Award Date

1-1-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Political Science

First Committee Member

Mehran Tamadonfar

Number of Pages

232

Abstract

Legally, politically, academically, and culturally, political corruption eludes clear, precise, and comprehensive definition. It is a universal phenomenon that afflicts every political system. It means different things to different people. It manifests itself in a variety of ways in both developed and developing countries. It is considered morally, economically, politically, and socially devastating. This thesis addresses the dynamics of political corruption in sub-Saharan Africa and explores some central and perplexing questions. How is it that one of the most serious problems in sub-Saharan Africa receives such limited attention despite its magnitude, pervasiveness, and consequences? Is political corruption a cultural characteristic of the African continent? What do the peoples of Africa think about political corruption? What are their historical, cultural, and contemporary explanations for corruption, i.e., its definitions, causes, effects, and remedies? Indeed, we cannot understand political corruption in sub-Saharan Africa outside the framework of the legacy of colonialism, neo-colonialism, the "Big Men", tribalism and nepotism, underdevelopment, and frustrated economies. These factors are discussed in detail. Three country case studies--Kenya, Nigeria, and Zaire/Congo--are discussed to demonstrate how corruption can frustrate, impede, and paralyze all developmental efforts, administrative performance, economic growth, and social and political integration in Africa. Finally, some critical remedies are suggested to eradicate political corruption in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords

Africa; Assessment; Comparative; Congo; Corruption; Kenya; Nigeria; Political; Saharan; Sub; Zaire

Controlled Subject

Political science

File Format

pdf

File Size

4976.64 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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