ABSTRACT
Corruption, the use of public office for private gain, takes on many forms. In some instances, corrupt behaviour is a direct offence to the letter of law. In others, it can violate the spirit or intention of the law while operating within its explicit legal parameters. Beginning in the 1980s, the world’s mature democracies relaxed regulation of the private sector and were able to chalk up impressive economic growth. Yet, because such deregulation took place in the context of a dramatically increased digitalization of market activity – especially in financial services – deregulation had wholly unanticipated consequences. The resulting public perception that governments were able to promote the advantage of select economic interests over the welfare of the general population is today being exploited by populist movements bent on imposing radical agendas inimical to liberal societies.
