The Importance of State Capacity in the Fight Against Corruption

Abstract

This study examines the importance of state capacity in the fight against corruption. Corruption is an important problem in the exercise of political power. For this reason, good governance requires the fight against corruption with more transparency in the relationship between the private sector and politicians/administrators, efficient and effective bureaucracy, clear legal frameworks, and strengthening institutions that implement independent power control. In other words, an effective fight against corruption and good governance requires a strong state capacity. State capacity is an important characteristic of statehood. In this context, the execution of the security function of a state -(monopoly) control of the means of violence and effective law enforcement- is a prerequisite for overcoming political and social problems. After all, a state is characterized as a strong state if it can ensure security throughout the country and take and implement political decisions and has capacity to turn public will into action. The argument of the study addresses the meaning and importance of the state capacity in the effective, efficient, and coordinated implementation of public policies and in the fight against administrative and social problems such as corruption.