A critical analysis of the relationship between democracy and corruption : case study Malta

Abstract

The relationship between democracy and corruption is a very intricate one. If understood properly, the process of democratisation can become much more effective in limiting corruption. This dissertation analyses what sort of relationship exists between democracy and corruption. Malta was used as a case study due to its small population. This factor allows for the elusive force of corruption to stand out a lot more. Moreover, it has been argued by Huntington and other scholars, that corrupt practises such as patronage and clientelism can actually be conducive to democracy during the initial and intense phases of democratisation. The idea is that these practises can help in compensating for the weak link between the state and society. This dissertation will explore the validity of this argument. However, both within Malta and the southern European region in general, these practises became entrenched within society, making it difficult for anti-corruption reforms to take place. The dissertation moves on to argue, how it was necessary for an external actor to intervene and encourage these reforms. For this reason, the relationship between democracy and corruption in Malta was examined under the light of EU conditionality. This resulted in an interesting conclusion regarding the relationship. Whilst democratisation was taking place in Malta for the period 1999-2003, anti-corruption efforts were minimal and weak. At this point, the relationship between democracy and corruption is already being seen as not correlative or significant. Further research on the relationship is conducted after Malta joins the EU. From 2004 till 2009 Malta's corruption ratings plummeted. Open borders, double standards and the absence of EU political leverage are considered as the causes for this increase in corruption levels. From 2010 till 2016, Malta's corruption ratings remained relatively the same, signalling a lack in effort in fighting corruption. This is contrast to public surveys which indicate an increased awareness of corruption. The conclusion was, that Malta is undergoing the process of social realisation, shifting its norms from the traditional to the democratic. This relationship was developed and based on a Pearson Correlation Test using data from the Democracy Index and the Corruption Perception Index of Malta, and other southern European states. This test proved that the relationship between democracy and corruption is not correlative or significant.