Corruption: cancer for the system

Abstract

Background: Corruption has emerged as a major global challenge, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where limited resources, institutional vulnerabilities, and economic dependence can intensify its effects on national development. Although corruption is not a new phenomenon, increasing incidences have raised concern because of their adverse influence on economic growth, modernization, institutional capacity, and sustainable development.

Objective: This qualitative review examines the contemporary drivers and consequences of corruption in SIDS, with particular emphasis on its relationship with national development. It focuses on underlying factors, socioeconomic and institutional impacts, and potential strategies for addressing corruption.

Methods: A conceptual qualitative review approach was adopted. Existing scholarly literature and policy discussions were examined to identify major drivers of corruption, assess its implications for socioeconomic and institutional development, and explore appropriate anti-corruption measures.

Results: The review indicates that corruption negatively affects socioeconomic development by weakening institutions, reducing administrative efficiency, diverting public resources, and undermining public trust. In SIDS, these challenges may be particularly significant because of constrained institutional capacity and limited governance resources. Persistent corruption is associated with inadequate public awareness, weak accountability, ineffective enforcement, and inconsistent governmental commitment to anti-corruption initiatives.

Conclusion: Addressing corruption in SIDS requires sustained public awareness, robust legal frameworks, accountable institutions, transparency, and effective enforcement of anti-corruption measures. Strengthening governance and institutional integrity should remain central to national development policies to reduce corruption's adverse effects on economic performance, social progress, and sustainable development.