CORRUPTION AT THE CROSSROADS OF SECURITY: EXPOSING THREATS, BUILDING DEFENCE/RESILIENCE

Abstract

The paper discusses the importance of a systems approach in managing corruption threats to national security and highlights the potential of innovative approaches and technologies in mitigating these risks. The aim of this article is to show how corruption affects public and private sector actions, strategies and policies by examining the complex relationship between corruption and its impact on national security. To achieve this aim, the study focuses on identification corruption-related threats to national security, reviewing states’ obligations to strengthen national security measures and assessing the experience of Lithuanian companies in identifying corruption risks in the field. The research combines a theoretical analysis of scientific literature with a quantitative method—a questionnaire survey conducted among Lithuanian state-owned and private companies. Based on the insights of scientists, it is estimated that certain national security interests may be violated by such illegal actions as weakening the institution, causing a dangerous increase in crime, unbalancing defence spending or damaging important infrastructure, increasing social and economic instability, etc. The results indicate that corruption risks related to national security must be managed systemically, through coordinated criminal, political, organisational and preventive measures, including personnel vetting, cybersecurity and procurement control. Innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchains can effectively reduce risks. The results obtained may serve as a starting point for Ukraine to strengthen the link between prevention of corruption and national security.  

Keywords: National Security, Corruption, Threats, Corruption Resilience.