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Institutional Corruption Observed from Space

Author

Listed:
  • Andres Jerson Millan Lopez

    (Universidad de Guadalajara)

Abstract

This work proposes a corruption metric based on a vegetation density index (IVE) created through measurements with satellite images. Standard corruption statistics are often questioned because they can be manipulated and are subject to measurement errors and various types of omissions. The methodology used here attempts to circumvent these limitations since corruption can be observed from outer space under the assumption that an underlying property of solid democracies is to implement rigorous laws for environmental preservation. The results suggest that the IVE can be used as an indirect metric of acts of corruption, which is statistically proven. A nonlinear relationship visibly separates two sets of countries: a group of low-vegetation nations where their limited endowment is positively associated with higher levels of corruption, and a set of countries where higher levels of vegetation are positively associated with higher levels of corruption. low corruption. The results show that Canada, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Denmark are among the least corrupt and most densely vegetated in the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Jerson Millan Lopez, 2024. "Institutional Corruption Observed from Space," Sobre México. Revista de Economía, Sobre México. Temas en economía, vol. 1(9), pages 55-82.
    • Handle: RePEc:smx:journl:09:55:82
    as

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    File URL: https://sobremexico-revista.ibero.mx/index.php/Revista_Sobre_Mexico/article/view/146
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • E01 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Measurement and Data on National Income and Product Accounts and Wealth; Environmental Accounts
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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