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The Influence of Government Effectiveness and Corruption on the High Levels of Homicide in Latin America

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  • Spencer P. Chainey

    (Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK)

  • Gonzalo Croci

    (Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK
    Department of International Studies, University ORT Uruguay, Bulevar España 2633, 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay)

  • Laura Juliana Rodriguez Forero

    (Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK)

Abstract

Most research that has examined the international variation in homicide levels has focused on structural variables, with the suggestion that socio-economic development operates as a cure for violence. In Latin America, development has occurred, but high homicide levels remain, suggesting the involvement of other influencing factors. We posit that government effectiveness and corruption control may contribute to explaining the variation in homicide levels, and in particular in the Latin America region. Our results show that social and economic structural variables are useful but are not conclusive in explaining the variation in homicide levels and that the relationship between homicide, government effectiveness, and corruption control was significant and highly pronounced for countries in the Latin American region. The findings highlight the importance of supporting institutions in improving their effectiveness in Latin America so that reductions in homicide (and improvements in citizen security in general) can be achieved.

Suggested Citation

  • Spencer P. Chainey & Gonzalo Croci & Laura Juliana Rodriguez Forero, 2021. "The Influence of Government Effectiveness and Corruption on the High Levels of Homicide in Latin America," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:10:y:2021:i:5:p:172-:d:554539
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Laureti, Lucio & Costantiello, Alberto & Leogrande, Angelo, 2023. "The Role of Government Effectiveness in the Light of ESG Data at Global Level," MPRA Paper 115998, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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