Explaining Perceptions of Corruption in the American Hemisphere

• In Event: Poster Session: New Perspectives in Political Science Research: Scholarship by Vanderbilt REU Students

Abstract

Since the last onset of democracy in the region, corruption has plagued Latin American and Caribbean countries. A vast majority of citizens view their political systems as hijacked by private interests. What factors explain different levels of perceived corruption across the region? Why do some individuals perceive very little corruption while their neighbors think all political officials are corrupt? I argue that support for the executive is a strong factor to predict whether perceived corruption is higher or lower. Analyzing the Americas Barometer dataset with regression analysis, I find that one’s views of the incumbent president greatly influences the level of corruption noticed in the overall political system. This relationship between incumbent support and perceived corruption highlights the challenges faced by actors attempting better governance. If supporters of the current president are less likely to see officials as corrupt, there is little chance for change in the system.

Author

• Diego Servin, University of Houston