| Summary: | This paper examines the problem of corruption in the Latin American countries. Latin America is a region with a severe problem of corruption but there are also countries in the region that diverge by having a relatively low level of corruption. The aim of this study was to examine which factors can explain the differences in the extent of corruption in the region. On the basis of a number of theories and previous research regarding the causes of corruption, this study examines which effects democratization, the stability of democracy, decentralization, state intervention and social capital have on the level of corruption in the Latin American countries. A quantitative method with simple linear regressions was used to find out if there are any significant linear relationships between these variables and the level of corruption. The results of the study show a significant negative relationship between democratization and the level of corruption in the Latin American countries. Countries with a more developed democracy tend to have lower levels of corruption. The other variables can not significantly explain the variance in the level of corruption in Latin America. === <p>2008-06-05</p>
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