“Ethnic” Corruption When Ethnic Identity Meets Political Corruption

Corruption is a complex phenomenon which can appear in various forms and political corruption remains one of the most common forms. Political corruption further encompasses many forms, one of which is ethnic corruption. Ethnic corruption is one of form of corruption that involves giving certain ethnic groups privileges that other groups do not have. The purpose of these privileges is for the ruling political structure to stay in power. This type of corruption was common practice in the former Yugoslavia and the former Soviet Union, and continues in its successor, the Russian Federation.. Pronounced ethnic corruption remains prevalent in many countries across Asia and Africa. With an increasingly polarized voting base in the United States, new forms of ethnic corruption have started to appear. Because of its characteristics, ethnic corruption is one of the most challenging types of corruption to address. Keyword: ethnic identity; corruption; political corruption; ethnic corruption Corruption is a complex political phenomenon, whose framework oeftn consists of several interconnected elements. These include, but are not limited to (Šumah, 2024): - the work and tasks performed by politicians, - the transparency of their actions, - the powers granted to politicians, 1 - the responsibilities and morals of individuals in exposed positions, 2 - public control, including public opinion, and - the technical monopoly over decision-making that politicians hold due to the nature of their work.