Corruption: Brief Books about Big Ideas

Tænkepauser #32

by Mette Frisk Jensen

A short but engaging look at what makes Denmark one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Corruption is a profoundly destructive force around the world, but why does its extent vary so drastically among countries? In Corruption , Mette Frisk Jensen closely links the level of corruption in a country to its wealth, the happiness of its citizens, and the level of trust citizens have in their government. Covering the shifting concept of corruption from ancient Greece to modern-day cases, Frisk Jensen discusses why corruption has historically been low in Denmark in particular. She outlines how transparency, meritocratic recruitment, bureaucratic autonomy, high standards of accountability, and impartial legal institutions have been used to combat corruption and what lessons can be learned from these policies. Reflections In Reflections, a series copublished with Denmark's Aarhus University Press, scholars deliver 60-page reflections on a key concept that encapsulates their years of study and research. These books present unique insights on a wide range of topics and concepts―everything from love, trust, and play, to corruption, welfare, and sleep―that entertain and enlighten readers with exciting discoveries and new perspectives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Audiobook

60 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2015

Reviews

[Alma Iboa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is insightful in the way it shares a Dane’s perspective on the progression of low corruption in Norway. However, its jurisprudence is shaped by Machiavelli’s principle that humans are self-serving and inherently selfish, which heavily influences what the author believes the solution to be. I would have enjoyed reading similar jurisprudential perspectives to compare and contrast with this view.

[SVRosenmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spændende bog, som giver et indblik i en lidt betændt del af verden. Også interessant at forstå hvorfor korruption er så skadeligt for et samfund og hvorfor det er så udbredt, samt svært at komme af med. Endnu en god tænke pause

[EvaLovesYA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Læst i praktikforløb på Aarhus Universitetsforlag.