Scientific analysis of the essence, characteristics of corruption, and mechanisms for combating
Annotatsiya
This article provides a comprehensive examination of the scientific and legal definition of corruption, tracing the process of its historical development from ancient societies to modern institutional systems. It analyzes the various forms and manifestations of corruption in contemporary socio-political life, emphasizing its multidimensional nature as a legal, social, ethical, and institutional phenomenon. The study evaluates the impact of corruption on societal development from both social and legal perspectives, highlighting its negative consequences for public trust, democratic governance, economic stability, and the rule of law. Particular attention is given to the methodological shortcomings and theoretical challenges encountered in anti-corruption efforts, including gaps in legal regulation, weaknesses in institutional accountability, and insufficient integration of ethical principles into public administration. The research is based on a combination of systematic analysis, comparative legal analysis, sociological observation, and statistical methods. Through these approaches, the article substantiates the critical role of the judiciary and other public institutions in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective enforcement of anti-corruption measures. The findings of the study contribute to the theoretical understanding of corruption and serve as a scientific foundation for the development of comprehensive and sustainable anti-corruption strategies at both national and international levels.