Corruption in Jordan: The Roots, evolution, causes, effects, and solutions

Abstract

The study aims to identify the stages of development of the phenomenon of corruption in Jordan, describe the most prominent cases of corruption and make recommendations and proposals to combat the phenomenon of corruption. The researcher uses the descriptive, historical, and political systems approach: tracking the course of corruption and the development of anti-corruption mechanisms at the Jordanian level. The result of the study shows that the performance of the official supervisory bodies, the privatization of the State's capacities, the weak oversight role of the Parliamentary Councils, and the adoption of the State's policy of appointing higher positions in State institutions on the principle of loyalty before efficiency. Restricting media freedom to disclose corruption-related cases contributed to the spread and penetration of corruption in Jordan. The study recommends the need to adopt a strategy to address all the causes of corruption and to develop well-drafted legislation to ensure that gaps in the implementation of corrupt persons are avoided, that sanctions are tightened, that no one is above accountability, that attention is paid to the fair distribution of rights and gains among officials, that the role of the judiciary is activated and that its independence and impartiality are maintained.