Neoliberal reform, governance and corruption in Central America: Exploring the Nicaraguan case

Following a brief general discussion of the dynamics of governance reforms in Central America, the growth of international interest in combating corruption is discussed and a critique of the dominant approaches towards the issue outlined. This critique is then extended through an exploration of the evolution of anti-corruption initiatives in Nicaragua under the administration of President Arnoldo Alemán (1996-2001), which saw both an expansion in internationally sanctioned anti-corruption programmes and a catalogue of abuses that eventually culminated in Alemán's jailing under his successor.