A Framework for the Comparative Analysis of Measures to Curb Political Corruption

Abstract

Existing case studies of efforts to control political corruption typically lack a theoretical framework that can provide for systematic empirical research and comparisons between cases and countries. This makes it difficult to assess what combination of preventive and punitive measures that are best suited to work against corruption. By employing principal-agent theory, we develop a framework for the study of different measures to control political corruption. Our framework is suited for qualitative and comparative studies. As an example of an empirical application, we show how this framework can be applied empirically to the United Kingdom's measures to control political corruption. We do so in three identified risk areas: the Parliament, the executive and political parties.