A BriefA Brief reflection on the incisive power of corruption and its complicit-victims Reflection on the Incisive Power of Corruption and its Complicit-Victims

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the impact of corruption, which is a phenomenon that has been the subject of study not only today, but since the most remote times. Corruption has a pernicious effect on economic and social structures, with implications in the areas of Management and Public Administration. By eroding fundamental values such as democracy, citizenship, trust and social equality, corruption undermines the cohesion and integrity of public and private institutions. The relevance of this phenomenon has attracted increasing global attention, focusing mainly on the adoption of effective strategies for the prevention and repression of corruption. In this sense, several initiatives have been implemented at an international level, with emphasis on the organization Transparency International[1]. However, in the context of Portugal's former colonies, acts of corruption are increasingly visible. Is this a trait inherited from colonialism or a principle that emerged at the time of our independence, at the time when we conceived our democratic system?

We believe that the impact of corruption cannot be underestimated: it undermines institutions, destroys public trust and perpetuates social and economic inequalities. Therefore, we realize that the analysis of this phenomenon and the evaluation of global responses to it are fundamental to understand the current state of our democracies and the capacity of societies to preserve equity and fair governance. The fight against corruption is not just a necessity, it is an urgency for the sustainability and progress of nations. It is in this sense that, with this article, we propose to make a brief review of the reflection on the incisive power of corruption and its Victims-Accomplices.