Honors College Theses

Publication Date

12-1-2023

Major

Criminal Justice and Criminology (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Laurie Gould

Abstract

Government corruption is a problem found in varying degrees in almost every country around the world. Corruption can be defined as the misuse of public office for private gain. Some examples of government corruption are bribery, theft and tax evasion which all can be found in developing countries costing them trillions of dollars every year. The goal of the current study is to explore the relationship between government corruption and the role of internet freedom, using Turkey as a case study. Internet freedom is a broad term that includes having Internet access, digital rights, net neutrality, and freedom of information. The media can aid in the fight against corruption by shedding light on illicit or unethical government activities. Turkey’s internet freedom levels through Freedom House show that the country in itself is not free. Throughout this research, studies illustrate the importance of access to the internet, as it can lead to increases in voice and accountability and decreases in government corruption. Studies revealed that higher levels of corruption are linked to lower evaluations of government performance.Given that the internet can be used to shed light on social issues, as well as government corruption, it should come as no surprise that some governments are limiting citizens' access to the internet. Given the critical role that the internet plays in increasing governmental voice and accountability, as well as reducing levels of corruption, it is clear that little will change in Turkey until citizens have free access to the internet.

Thesis Summary

Examining the relationship between government corruption and internet freedom in the Republic of Turkey

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