The Enduring Struggle Against Corruption: Cases from History to Modern Day
Corruption has been a persistent challenge throughout human history, manifesting across various societies and eras. From the political manipulations in ancient civilisations to contemporary scandals involving global leaders and business moguls, the fight against corrupt practices remains a crucial issue. This video explores notable instances of corruption, delving into its definitions, implications, and the global efforts required to combat it effectively.
Key Vocabulary:
1. Harrowing (adjective)
- Definition: Extremely distressing or difficult to experience.
- Synonym: Traumatic
2. Enticing (adjective)
- Definition: Attractive or tempting.
- Synonym: Alluring
3. Promotion (noun)
- Definition: The act of raising someone to a higher position or rank.
- Synonym: Advancement
4. Advance (verb)
- Definition: To move forward or make progress, especially in achieving something.
- Synonym: Promote
5. Embezzlement (noun)
- Definition: Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer.
- Synonym: Misappropriation
6. Treatise (noun)
- Definition: A written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject.
- Synonym: Dissertation
7. Sphere (noun)
- Definition: A field or area of activity, interest, or expertise.
- Synonym: Domain
8. Notoriously (adverb)
- Definition: Used to emphasise that a quality or fact, typically a bad one, is well known.
- Synonym: Infamously
9. Bribe (verb)
- Definition: To persuade someone to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement.
- Synonym: Induce
10. Underpaid (adjective)
- Definition: Paid less than what is fair or reasonable.
- Synonym: Undercompensated
11. Loophole (noun)
- Definition: An ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules.
- Synonym: Gap
12. Transparency (noun)
- Definition: The condition of being transparent; openness, clearness, or lack of hidden agendas.
- Synonym: Openness
13. Catalog (verb)
- Definition: To make a systematic list of (items of the same type).
- Synonym: List
14. Exile (noun)
- Definition: The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.
- Synonym: Banishment
15. Civic (adjective)
- Definition: Relating to the duties or activities of people in relation to their town, city, or local area.
- Synonym: Municipal
These keywords and phrases provide a foundational vocabulary for understanding discussions on corruption and governance, pivotal for navigating complex socio-political contexts.
10 Engaging Conversation Questions:
1. What are some possible psychological and societal impacts of enduring corruption within a country's political system?
2. In the video, Jonas was offered a bribe in exchange for his cooperation. Discuss whether it's ever justifiable to accept a bribe under any circumstances.
3. How can the media and journalists play a role in uncovering and combating corruption?
4. Compare and contrast the consequences of corruption in developed versus developing countries as mentioned in the video. What similarities and differences do you find?
5. What are the ethical implications of whistle-blowing in cases like that of Mcebisi Jonas?
6. Discuss how ancient practices of corruption, such as those mentioned in the "Arthasastra," are similar to or different from modern-day corruption.
7. How effective do you think transparency and stringent laws are in preventing corruption? Can you suggest any improvements or alternatives?
8. Analyse the role of public protests in driving political change, referring to the example of South Africans insisting that "Zuma must fall."
9. How might personal and systemic motives for corruption differ, and how can understanding these motives help in designing better anti-corruption strategies?
10. What role do education and public awareness play in preventing corruption, and how can these elements be effectively implemented?
These questions are designed to provoke deep thinking and discussion, helping students to critically engage with the topic of corruption and its multifaceted impact on society.