This project focuses specifically on the issue of corruption considering both underlying causes (such as neo-patrimonialism and donor support for anti-corruption efforts) which are related to donor support for democratisation. This desk study is part of a larger governance project for DCI.

Corruption poses multiple challenges in the context of governance and aid modalities. The prevalence of corruption in developing countries is a major source of concern with regard to aid for the public in donor countries. Furthermore, the prevalence of corruption has implications for aid effectiveness. Donor agencies and international NGOs have become more active on combating corruption as an important element of their work on improving governance. However, there is still a search for improving approaches to reducing corruption.