Bottom-up Accountability: Addressing Citizen Engagement and its Challenges in the Battle Against Corruption

Abstract

There is no doubt about the crucial role of civil society in anti-corruption efforts. Serving as a vigilant overseer, civil society assumes the critical role of demanding accountability, posing pertinent questions, and disseminating crucial information regarding the performance of governmental bodies. In essence, it acts as an agent to promote transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct within governance. However, there remains a need to further explore the empirical and theoretical dimensions of the relationship between social and societal accountability and effective anti-corruption measures. This panel aims to broaden the discussion regarding the efforts of concerned citizens, civil society organizations, whistle-blowers, and the media, addressing their pivotal roles and inherent limitations in fighting corruption, fostering accountability, and advocating for transparency and good governance. By bringing together scholars and researchers from various fields, this panel welcomes fresh and innovative approaches that delve into the contributions of civic action to mitigate corruption and enhance citizen participation.

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