Corruption and the Sustainable Development Goals

With a chapter devoted to each of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this edited book explores the evidence that corruption is a strong impediment to achieving the SDGs and that strong anti-corruption policy is essential if any are to be achieved. For some of the goals, there is much existing theory and evidence which will be summarized and made accessible to an interdisciplinary audience. For example, studies strongly suggest that corruption is associated with greater poverty (SDG 1) and lower growth rates (SDG 8). Furthermore, there is considerable research on the effects of corruption on the scope for decent work and growth (SDG 8) and an established connection between corruption and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). In other areas, the research is more scant. For example, there is limited work on how corruption can be a contributing factor to food insecurity and famine (SDG 2). There has been little work specifically on corruption and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Similarly, more work is needed on the effects of corruption on climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14), and life on land (SDG15). In these areas the chapter surveys the research that does exist and motivates further study.

This book will be an essential research and reference guide to readers interested in political economy, sustainable development, social issues, politics and development studies.

Robert Gillanders is a Professor of Economics at Dublin City University, Ireland and Co-Director of the DCU Anti-Corruption Research Centre.

Chandan Kumar Jha is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Madden College of Business and Economics, Le Moyne College.