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Corruption and the Curse: The Dictator’s Choice

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  • Sarr, Mare
  • Swanson, Timothy

Abstract

We develop a dynamic discrete choice model of a self-interested and unchecked ruler making decisions regarding the exploitation of a resource-rich country. This dictator makes the recursive choice between either investing domestically to live off the productivity of the country while facing the risk of being ousted, or looting the country’s riches by liquefying the resources and departing. We demonstrate that important parameters determining this choice include the level of resources, liquidity and indebtedness. We find that the dictator’s choice regarding the timing of departure is significantly related to external lending, investment and debt. We then argue that this looting phenomenon provides an explanation for the generation of corrupt economies in resource-rich countries. An empirical analysis of available corruption indices suggests that instability-led looting provides a more fundamental explanation of perceived corruption than do various social and cultural indicators or the economic theory of internal political competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarr, Mare & Swanson, Timothy, 2013. "Corruption and the Curse: The Dictator’s Choice," Climate Change and Sustainable Development 146351, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:feemcl:146351
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.146351
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Mare Sarr & Timothy Swanson & Chiara Ravetti & Siri Wingaard, 2012. "Aiding and Abetting the Looting of Nations: The impact of Aid on growth in Autocracies," CIES Research Paper series 15-2012, Centre for International Environmental Studies, The Graduate Institute.

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    JEL classification:

    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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