(Assignment 4) Mrinalini Badrinarayanan

1.     Characterises the patterns of corruption present in that case in a manner that goes beyond Johnston's 4 syndromes (e.g., what social and political contexts are especially important?)

The form of political corruption in Germany is bribery, accepted from big businesses. Germany would be characterized as an ‘influence market’ in Johnston’s four syndromes, but if we uncover the assumptions that go into what conditions enable a country to qualify as an influence market, we see that strong institutions are only one aspect of the country’s political system. Specific social and political contexts that matter are the presence of strong anti-corruption institutions that are independent and effective. Democracy and the freedom of the press are also important, due to media exposure of such corruption. It is also important to note that corruption as outlined above does not depend on traditional forms of socio-political organization, like patronage networks, despite the existence of a multi-ethnic or multi-religious society. It is purely dependent on capitalistic networks. Even when religion plays a central role in political affiliation, corruption does not follow the same path. It is important to note that such countries have a market capitalist economy, with a minimal role for the state in economic production. They are also societies where decisions are mostly private in nature and acts of corruption are usually private deals, except in the examples given for Germany.
Although one may not associate economic inequality directly to this form of corruption, one cannot deny that the political representation of citizens is undercut legally by the closeness of the affluent classes to the political leadership, like in the case of the United States. In the case of Germany, democratic institutions were preceded by the formation of the bureaucracy. The political leadership may also be from the upper echelons of society, and may hence form class-based networks with the business classes. One may also note that economic inequality may also occur along ethnic lines.

2.     Identifies especially important features of corruption in that case that need special attention (i.e., prioritise them in order of effect and relevance).

Despite investigations into corruption and swift punishment for offenders, the nature of corruption remains unchanged. The system can continue without a threat to its legitimacy, but corrupt practices will continue as well, as there is no mechanism to prevent access to politicians being sold to businesses.
Another important feature of corruption is that showing political support through donations is legal, hence allowing parties and politicians to mask the influence of private interests in government policy. So, unequal representation is institutionalized, even in a democracy.

3.     Proposes a set of anti-corruption actions to mitigate the challenge.

In order to mitigate bribery in the higher levels of government, the way in which the interests of big businesses are organized must change. Donations from private businesses must be reduced by reducing upper limits. Party and campaign funding must be made transparent, as must the financial details of big businesses. The right to information must be used more robustly to ensure greater transparency.