Trust, Bribery, and Mineral Extraction in Africa

• In Event: 552 - Section on Political Economy of the World-Systems Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Global South and the World-System

Abstract

The degradation of trust and failure of formal institutions to prevent corruption in African states may indicate a problematic shifts in norms. The social implications of crossing the economic norms of Western societies and traditional African societies are examined using comparative data on mineral extraction, feelings of trust, and reports of bribery in African countries. Statistical analysis suggests that the odds of paying a bribe are increased in regions in which mineral extraction facilities are located and trust is low. The results of the study expand upon previous efforts to comprehend the “resource curse” in sub-Saharan Africa.

Author

• Jacqueline Joslyn, University of Arizona