Abstract
ABSTRACTThis submission consists of my two monographs and is supported by this Commentary.
The monographs address the reality that the most powerful political individuals and entities in African countries are liable to be involved in grand corruption and money laundering activities. Taking a practical approach, the aim of the monographs is to address the research question: How can African countries combat such criminality effectively? They argue for taking a holistic approach to the question and their scope therefore covers a wide range of legal mechanisms and strategies for supporting good governance and integrity and designed to combat corruption and money laundering in African countries. This is the key theme in Combating Corruption whilst its companion volume Combating Money Laundering adopts a more focused approach on addressing the problem of money laundering by politically exposed persons.
Several key arguments are explored:
• The problems of grand corruption and money laundering are due to the failure to make constitutional safeguards and anti-corruption/anti- money laundering laws and institutions effective in practice;
• Effective strategies are required to develop the political will to combat corruption and money laundering by politically exposed persons. Whilst these are the most powerful political figures, they remain uniquely vulnerable if the safeguards and laws are utilised effectively;
• ‘Persuasive techniques’ can meaningfully contribute towards developing the necessary political will to uphold constitutionality and to support good governance;
• Anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and good governance efforts are global responsibilities;
• International anti-money laundering commitments by African countries must be effectively monitored;
• ‘Persuasive techniques’ can encourage multi-national corporations to commit to good corporate governance.
The monographs make a contribution to knowledge in that these arguments are explored from an original, systematic, holistic, detailed, and practical perspective.
The conclusions drawn are that, if implemented effectively and holistically, the strategies discussed can make a meaningful contribution towards facilitating good governance and integrity in African countries.
| Date of Award | 17 Sept 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Andrii Zharikov (Supervisor) & James Hand (Supervisor) |