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Revolutions and corruption

Author

Listed:
  • Joshua D. Ammons

    (George Mason University)

  • Shishir Shakya

    (Appalachian State University)

Abstract

We investigate the relationship between successful revolutions and corruption using data on revolutionary campaigns since 1900 and corruption measures retrieved from the Varieties of Democracy database. We find that successful nonviolent and violent revolutions produce null effects on corruption; education decreases corruption; and upon adjusting for the moderating effect of education, violent revolutions induce corruption. Our results imply that classic narratives celebrating such upheavals as corruption-limiting are oversimplified and optimistic. Our analysis challenges conventional wisdom and contributes an instructive, empirically-grounded assessment of the revolution’s corruption consequences to the scholarship.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua D. Ammons & Shishir Shakya, 2024. "Revolutions and corruption," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 201(1), pages 355-376, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:201:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-024-01173-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-024-01173-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Revolution; Corruption; Regime change; Corruption persistence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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