Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the present

What is the course about?

It is well documented that in many of the Global South countries, corruption is not an exception; it is the rule. It is also costly. It reduces access to basic services like health, education and even justice and increases the risk of conflict and violence. It is also a fundamental problem for development.
This course will provide a brief introduction to the historical origins of corruption in developing countries. It will show that the roots of corruption in these countries go all the way back to their colonial experience. By using a global comparative perspective, the course will examine the multi-layered nature of corruption in different European empires (Great Britain, Spain, France and the Netherlands) and its institutionalization. In addition, it will discuss how the legacy of colonial rule has led to higher levels of corruption in the Global South and has made eradication of corruption so difficult.

What will we cover?

• The changing conceptualization of corruption
• Corruption as an important characteristic of colonial rule and the colonial economy
• Cultural and moral arguments used in justifying corruption
• The way colonial rule and decolonization shaped the institutionalization of corruption
• The impact of colonial legacy on today’s anti-corruption measures.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Understand the concept and practice of corruption during the colonial era
• Examine the role of corruption in the emasculation of colonial economies
• Analyse corruption across both time and space
• Reflect critically on the link between colonial corruption and the current state of affairs in Global South countries.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge is required. An open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage in class discussion is all that is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be taught with lecture, slide presentations and discussions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No additional but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equvialent for noteaking.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HPC181 Payback Time: Historical injustices and reparations
HPC185 Climate Justice: Creating a more equal world
HPC187 Foreign Aid: panacea or poison?
HPC150 Global South and its Debt Burden: Modern-day Enslavement.