Corruption

A short but engaging look at what makes Denmark one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Corruption is a profoundly destructive force around the world, but why does its extent vary so drastically among countries? In Corruption, Mette Frisk Jensen closely links the level of corruption in a country to its wealth, the happiness of its citizens, and the level of trust citizens have in their government. Covering the shifting concept of corruption from ancient Greece to modern-day cases, Frisk Jensen discusses why corruption has historically been low in Denmark in particular. She outlines how transparency, meritocratic recruitment, bureaucratic autonomy, high standards of accountability, and impartial legal institutions have been used to combat corruption and what lessons can be learned from these policies. ReflectionsIn Reflections, a series copublished with Denmark's Aarhus University Press, scholars deliver 60-page reflections on a key concept that encapsulates their years of study and research. These books present unique insights on a wide range of topics and concepts—everything from love, trust, and play, to corruption, welfare, and sleep—that entertain and enlighten readers with exciting discoveries and new perspectives.