Corruption and Public Administration as a Link Generating Poverty and Death — Network Analysis of the Gualcarque River Concession in Honduras

Abstract

Corruption is a global phenomenon that generates poverty, especially in countries with vulnerable public administrations. In Honduras, state fragility and collusion between public and private officials diminish the quality of justice. This article analyzes the functioning of the corruption network that operated in the Gualcarque River concession, and how this network used its power to manipulate processes, culminating in the murder of environmentalist Berta Cáceres. It uses a mixed-method approach, applying Pajek network analysis, which maps connections between different actors. It also uses a systematic literature review and hermeneutic analysis to analyze and interpret various documents, in order to describe information on corruption networks and answer the research questions. The results reveal collusion between public and private actors, the structure of the elites and economic power networks in Honduras, and the corruption network that operated in the Gualcarque River concession. The conclusions highlight the need to strengthen public administration and the rule of law, promoting structural reforms to dismantle these networks.