The main question of this thesis is whether Turkey can learn from Bulgaria and Romania in their efforts in anti-corruption activity. This question can only be answered if a general comparability is proven beforehand. Therefore the situational context as well as the programmatic context are compared. After such an initial stage, lessons learned may be incorporated into the Turkish framework and a best suitable strategy can be derived for curbing corruption in Turkey.
The time frame for this study is mainly set with the mid and late 1990s and reaches until 2005. The examined period coincides with an international recognition of corruption as a severe problem and its addressing and with first attempts in combating corruption in a structured and systematic way by Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. The thematic core of the study centres on corruption in the public sector – the private sector is only dealt with when it touches the aforementioned.
The methodology is based on a programmatic comparison at the core. Flanking national perspectives as the extent, causes, key players and their involvement, obstacle weaknesses and future challenges are needed in order to gain a comprehensive picture of the issue. The national programmes and circumstance are then combined in a final chapter, in which the comparison culminates in addressing the overall question. A prior introducing theoretical framework is fundamental for the further elaboration of the study. Key concepts of corruption like the definitions, forms, causes, measurability and the possibility of value enhancing are discussed in this part. The phenomenon of corruption is an interdisciplinary issue and therefore embraces several perspectives.
Bulgaria and Rumania are chosen due to their similar situation with which they are confronted. They are - just as Turkey, the pivotal country in this study - on the road towards EU-membership and statistics show comparable data on corruption. As their goal of accession to the EU is very close - 2007 is the planned year of EU entry - they might serve Turkey as a guide. The external democratisation forces, which are pulling the discussed troika towards the EU, seem to be the prime driver in the accession process which also sets the goal of reducing corruption substantially.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Corruption Theory
- DEFINITION AND NATURE
- SCOPE AND FORMS OF CORRUPTION
- IS CORRUPTION MEASURABLE?
- CAUSES
- COSTS
- IS CORRUPTION ALWAYS BAD?
- Anti-Corruption Programmes
- REQUIREMENTS
- TYPES
- COMBATING CORRUPTION IN BULGARIA
- EXTENT OF CORRUPTION
- COUNTRY-SPECIFIC CAUSES
- REFORM PROGRAMMES
- PLAYERS AND INVOLVEMENT
- OBSTACLES, WEAKNESSES AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
- COMBATING CORRUPTION IN ROMANIA
- EXTENT OF CORRUPTION
- COUNTRY-SPECIFIC CAUSES
- REFORM PROGRAMMES
- PLAYERS AND INVOLVEMENT
- Obstacles, Weaknesses and Future Challenges
- COMBATING CORRUPTION IN TURKEY
- EXTENT OF CORRUPTION
- COUNTRY SPECIFIC CAUSES
- REFORM PROGRAMMES
- PLAYERS AND INVOLVEMENT
- OBSTACLES, WEAKNESSES AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
- Can Turkey learn from Bulgaria and Romania?
- THE QUESTION OF COMPARABILITY
- IS THE SITUATION COMPARABLE?
- ARE THE PROGRAMMES COMPARABLE?
- DIFFERENCES AND LEARNING EFFECTS
- WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR REFORM PROGRAMMES IN TURKEY?
- THE QUESTION OF COMPARABILITY
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this thesis is to determine whether Turkey can benefit from the experiences of Bulgaria and Romania in their fight against corruption. The study compares the situational and programmatic contexts of these three countries, focusing on anti-corruption initiatives and their effectiveness. The study also explores the potential for Turkey to adopt lessons learned from the Bulgarian and Romanian experiences to develop a more effective strategy for combating corruption within its own context.
- The nature and scope of corruption in Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.
- The impact of corruption on economic and social development.
- The effectiveness of different anti-corruption programmes in combating corruption.
- The challenges and opportunities for promoting transparency and accountability in public administration.
- The importance of international cooperation in combating corruption.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the thesis by introducing the topic of corruption and its impact on developing countries. It outlines the main research question and methodology used throughout the study.
- Corruption Theory: This chapter explores different theoretical perspectives on corruption. It delves into the definition, nature, scope, causes, and consequences of corruption, discussing the complexities of measuring and addressing it.
- Anti-Corruption Programmes: This chapter focuses on the design and implementation of anti-corruption programmes. It examines the various types of programmes, their requirements, and the challenges involved in their successful implementation.
- Combating Corruption in Bulgaria: This chapter analyzes the anti-corruption efforts implemented in Bulgaria, including the extent of corruption, country-specific causes, reform programmes, key players, and the obstacles faced.
- Combating Corruption in Romania: This chapter examines the anti-corruption initiatives in Romania, including the extent of corruption, country-specific causes, reform programmes, key players, and the challenges faced.
- Combating Corruption in Turkey: This chapter discusses the anti-corruption efforts undertaken in Turkey, including the extent of corruption, country-specific causes, reform programmes, key players, and the obstacles faced.
- Can Turkey learn from Bulgaria and Romania?: This chapter compares the experiences of Bulgaria and Romania to assess whether Turkey can benefit from their approaches to anti-corruption. The chapter analyzes the comparability of the situations and programmes, highlighting key differences and potential learning effects.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this work include: corruption, anti-corruption programmes, public sector, transition economies, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, institutional reform, governance, transparency, accountability, rule of law, economic development, civil society, international cooperation.
- Quote paper
- Urban Werner (Author), 2005, Anti-Corruption Programmes in Turkey compared to Bulgaria and Romania, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/83180
