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Novaković, Marko --- "An historical, cultural and political perspective of corruption in the Balkans" [2017] ELECD 1608; in Nafziger, A.R. James (ed), "Comparative Law and Anthropology" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) 394

Book Title: Comparative Law and Anthropology

Editor(s): Nafziger, A.R. James

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781955178

Section: Chapter 17

Section Title: An historical, cultural and political perspective of corruption in the Balkans

Author(s): Novaković, Marko

Number of pages: 19

Abstract/Description:

Corruption is a persistent and ever-present opponent of the progress of modern societies. This chapter addresses some common aspects of the problem in the Balkan countries from an anthropological perspective. The history, nature, and significance of the problem varies among the several countries. First, I investigate the historical perspectives because the generally high tolerance of corruption in the region has its origin in a shared past. Special emphasis is put on the family as the originator of corruption in its embryonic form which evolved into some modern institutions. The influence of indoctrinated corruption from early childhood is then discussed. Enquiring whether corruption can be totally eradicated should not be a distraction from the more basic question of how to move towards that goal. Consequently, I argue that it is necessary to understand corruption as a concept with distinct characteristics and peculiarities in each state or society. On that assumption, an anthropological approach provides insights into the roots of corruption and, since corruption is said to be inherent in humans, the importance of that knowledge is immense. Understanding what should and can be done to make corrupt behavior unacceptable, culture by culture, is essential.