Governance, Corruption, and Conflict by United States Institute of Peace - HTML preview

This section provides a variety of interactive exercises that can be used in a classroom or group setting to encourage discussion. We recommend that learners who are studying independently also review the questions and activities to frame their existing knowledge and further delve into the many complex issues that surround this study guide’s topic.

Discussion I:

Introduction to Governance and Corruption

Before reading “Governance, Corruption, and Conflict,” answer the following questions

individually or as a group.

Before You Begin

The goal of this discussion is to frame known cases in the context of corruption and governance to familiarize the learners with the role of governance and corruption on society. It will be helpful for learners to relate their existing knowledge to the topic. Conduct a brief discussion that is tailored to the knowledge level of the learners before assigning the reading.

For learners who have not had a course in government, the instructor should introduce the term governance and lead a discussion about the functions and workings of government and its role in society prior to the reading and discussions.

Governance

• Describe governance.
• What kinds of government services benefit you and your family?
• Who has the authority to ensure equal access to services, the political process, and resources and ensure that your rights are upheld?
• Are there channels through which you can influence how a government governs, what it decides, and how it implements its decisions?

Corruption

• What are some examples of corruption, in addition to bribery?
• Who participates in corruption?
• What are some costs of corruption? Are there benefits?
• What are some ways to fight corruption?
• How does corruption affect governance?
• How does corruption affect the relationship between citizens and government?

Discussion II:

Identifying Corruption and the Role of Governance in Conflict

After reading “Governance, Corruption, and Conflict,” answer the following questions individually or as a group.

1. What are the similarities and differences between the corruption discussed in the reading and

1. High school or college students buying exam questions?
2. A cashier at a convenience store who gives away free soda to his/her friends?
3. A business owner who only buys supplies from businesses that are owned by people from his church or temple?
4. A politician who promises to vote for particular legislation only if a lucrative job is arranged for a family member?

2. Describe policies, regulations, procedures, and structures of your government (local or national) that work to curb corruption. How do they work?

3. What circumstances and factors could make such measures unsuccessful?

4. What makes stable government difficult to establish after violent conflict?

5. Why is it important for a government coming out of conflict to address corruption?

6. For countries coming out of conflict, what are the dangers of not being able to establish good governance?