Corruption in America: A Fifty-Ring Circus

by Oguzhan Dincer, Michael Johnston

Overview

How corrupt is the United States of America? While the US presents itself as an exemplar of democratic government and politics, many citizens see it as highly corrupt. In this book, Oguzhan Dincer and Michael Johnston explore corruption across a range of policy areas in all fifty states using two major forms of corruption – legal and illegal – via three proxy measures of corruption. They not only estimate the pervasiveness of such corruption in each state, but also compare and contrast their causes, consequences, and implications for contemporary issues including racial inequities, public health policy, and the environment, while also highlighting issues of citizen participation and trust in political processes. The book presents no reform toolkits or quick fixes for American corruption problems, but frames key challenges of institutional change and democratic political revival that can be used in the struggle to build a more just, and better-governed, society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009423427
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/03/2025
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

Oguzhan Dincer is a Professor of Economics and the Founding Director of the Institute for Corruption Studies at the Illinois State University. His main research interests are Development Economics and Public Economics, with a particular focus on corruption.

Michael Johnston is Charles A. Dana Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, at Colgate University. His book Syndromes of Corruption (2005) won the 2009 Grawemeyer Prize for Ideas Improving World Order. He has studied corruption, democratization, and reform since 1975.

Table of Contents

Part I. How Corrupt is America? 1. It All Depends … ; 2. Can We Measure Corruption? 3. Why are Some States More Corrupt than Others? Part ii. What Difference Does It Make? Consequences of Corruption 4. Economic and Political Outcomes: Corruption, Growth, Inequality, Trust, and Voter Participation; 5. Racial Outcomes: Killings of Black Americans by Police and Structural Corruption; 6. Environmental Outcomes: Clean Air, Clean Water … Dirty Politics? 7. Public Health Outcomes: Race, Corruption, and COVID-19; Part iii. Can We Do Anything about Corruption? 8. Economic and Political Responses to Corruption; 9. The Challenges Ahead.

Editorial Reviews

‘Rich countries have a different corruption configuration to poor countries. This excellent path-breaking book explores some of the dynamics of American corruption. Using various data sources, the authors point out that not all corruption is the same, and that corruption varies enormously by state and locality.’ Adam Graycar, University of Adelaide

‘How corrupt is the United States of America? Dincer and Johnston move beyond clichés to reveal corruption as a deeply embedded force that fuels inequality, distorts democracy and entrenches injustice. With sharp analysis and compelling evidence, they expose both illegal and legal corruption, showing how it shapes politics, policy, and daily life. At a time when trust in institutions is eroding, this book is essential for anyone seeking to understand - and challenge - the fifty-ring circus of American corruption.’ Ina Kubbe, Tel Aviv University

‘Corruption in America shows the achievements and pitfalls of the world’s first democracy, offering both revelations and lessons to be learned.’ Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, Luiss University

From the Publisher