Corruption risk as a structural driver of state fragility

Examining the governance crisis in South Africa

Datos Bibliográficos

ID13137410
AutoresNkosingiphile Mkhize (0000-0001-8809-7457, North-West University, autor de correspondencia), Danielle Nel-Sanders (0000-0001-9896-3566, University of Johannesburg)
Año2025
Volumen7
Fecha de publicación2025-08-26
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Political Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2673-3145 • E-ISSN: 2673-3145
EditorialFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpos.2025.1575693
OpenAlexW4413614742
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas23

Introduction Corruption remains a critical governance challenge globally, yet its role in perpetuating state fragility is underexplored in political science literature. In the South African context, corruption extends beyond ethical or administrative failings, functioning as a structural disorder that erodes institutional resilience, economic development, and political stability. Methods This study employs a thematic content analysis, integrating empirical evidence and governance risk frameworks to examine the systemic nature of corruption and its impact on state fragility. Results The analysis identifies four key dimensions through which corruption exacerbates governance fragility: institutional weakening and bureaucratic dysfunction; economic stagnation and developmental failure; erosion of public trust and legitimacy; and the perpetuation of a corruption–fragility cycle. The findings reveal that corruption sustains a self-reinforcing dynamic that obstructs reform and deepens state vulnerability. Discussion The results underscore the necessity for comprehensive anti-corruption strategies that move beyond punitive measures. Strengthening institutional integrity, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing public accountability are crucial to breaking the corruption–fragility cycle. By framing corruption as a central determinant of political and economic instability in fragile states, this study contributes to advancing scholarship on governance, state resilience, and sustainable development

Corporate governance · Criminology · Development economics · Economics · Fragility · Language change · Management · Political economy · Political science · Sociology · State (computer science · Computer Science · Corruption and Economic Development