Localization of Anti-Corruption Norms and the National Dynamics of Anti-Corruption

Abstract

Anti-corruption policies, strategies and campaign have become an important part of international discourse on development, growth and democratization. However, the operationalisation of these ideas and tools still occur predominantly at the national level. This panel and its papers look at how international anti-corruption discourse translates to the domestic level, examining the reality national and local anti-corruption efforts. Focus is given to the outcomes, contexts, and/or politics. In light of persisting corruption trends, the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts has been questioned, and the understanding of what works and what does not work in the fight against corruption has become ‘the new frontier for anti-corruption research’ (Johnsøn & Søreide 2013). This shift calls for a more systematic analysis of the underlying reasons for adopting anti-corruption policies and initiating reforms. Understanding anti-corruption efforts as solely ‘problem-solving’ disregards the importance of politics and the symbolic dimension of policy-making, and the motives behind it. This panel responds to the need for more thorough research on the different factors shaping the anti-corruption discourse and policy prescription, taking into account multi-level governance, power play and local contexts.