A Qualitative Comparison of Anti-Corruption Measures in Guatemala and Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to compare recent initiatives aimed at addressing corruption within the public sector in Guatemala and Brazil. Political unrest in the last two decades, charges of bribery and financial mismanagement by leaders, instances of electoral mismanagement, and other actions by national and local government officials in both countries have highlighted what has become almost commonplace throughout many areas in Latin America. Guatemala and Brazil represent countries that have taken different philosophical approaches to dealing with the recent corrupt acts and thus offer a good case for comparison. What remains to be seen is whether one approach is more effective than the other.