Crime and corruption

Abstract

Concerns about crime and corruption in Papua New Guinea (PNG) predate independence and are considered by many to be a significant threat to its prosperity and stability. In this chapter, we examine understandings of, and drivers and responses to, crime and corruption in PNG's recent history. We show how manifestations of and responses to crime and corruption have changed over time and across space. While these two concepts clearly overlap (with corruption often regarded a crime and crime often facilitated by corruption), for analytical purposes they are treated here as two distinct concepts. We argue that it is important to recognise the networks and relationships that animate crime and corruption and the responses to these challenges. It is also important to understand the ways these challenges and responses change over time.