HISTORY OF CORRUPTION – DANGERS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION BATTLE

Abstract

The phenomenon of corruption is as old as the human race. Corruption has been a part of human life since its birth. The mother "corrupts" the baby with her embrace and breast milk. Parents corrupt their children when they condition that they will reward them with chocolates, toys, gifts, entertainment, "if they are good students". People educate domestic animals with "rewards" because they have learned to be obedient and listen to their master. Men reward their loved ones with expensive gifts for their love and loyalty. Such principles of "courting", "winning sympathy", "softening the referee", "friendly persuasion" of business people, politicians, judges, sports arbitrators, juries, etc. fall into the category of corruption. In intellectual and managerial circles, opinions are divided about the nature of corruption. For example, there is "white corruption" when business people reward external managers if they have concluded a successful contract for the sale or purchase of products and services. There is also "black corruption" which is the antithesis of "white corruption" and which is condemned by everyone. And finally there is "gray corruption" which no one knows about but causes enormous damage and is invisible. For a long time, society and philosophers have debated the usefulness and harmfulness of corruption. Today it is considered the "soft underbelly" of any society, state, or regional integration such as the EU. In 1993, the non-governmental organization Transparency International was formed, which is the creator of the Corruption Perceptions Index in various countries. The World Bank, together with the UN, EU, and USA, joined the fight against corruption. In 1997, thirty-four countries signed the OECD Convention. Anti-corruption legislation has been accepted and developed by both the EU and its member states as well as aspirants.