CORRUPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR SOCIETY: ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION

Political, economic, social and cultural factors determine the level of perception and corruption in the country by social groups. Therefore, the study of this phenomenon should be conducted taking into account the factors outlined. The purpose of the academic paper is to study and analyze the consequences of corruption for societies in key dimensions: political, economic, and socio-cultural. Methodology. The method of systematic analysis is used in the academic paper to identify general corruption trends in the world and in the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, taking into account the growing corruption risks due to the war in Ukraine. The consequences of corruption are considered in the following dimensions: political, economic, and social. Initially, the authors analyze the dynamics of the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2018-2022. The following indicators were used to evaluate corruption: Political Corruption Index, Legislative Corruption Index, Public Sector Corruption Index, Executive Corruption Index, Judicial Corruption Index, and Corruption Decisions of the Judiciary. The results of analyzing the perception of corruption and political corruption in the EECA region demonstrate the lack of dynamic changes in countering and preventing abuse of power. Throughout 2012-2022, a stable value of the Corruption Perceptions Index (34,5 -35 points) and political corruption (0,5 points on a scale of 0 -1) was observed in the region. The highest level of corruption was detected in the judiciary, with the executive branch of government in second place. An average level of corruption has been identified in the public sector as a whole. The experience of EECA countries demonstrates the correlation between political corruption and the development of civil society, the average level of citizen participation in political life, and particular restrictions on rights and freedoms. The Civil Liberties and Civil Society Participation Indices are still at the same level as the Political Corruption Index. At the same time, in the economic dimension, the dynamics of GDP per capita indicate an increase in the quality of life despite the lack of positive developments in combating corruption. In the social dimension, corruption leads to peaceful protests, increases threats to security and peace, and deepens social inequality among different social groups. The practical significance of the research results lies in formulating recommendations for EECA governments on the digitalization of public services and processes to enhance the transparency of public authorities as a way to prevent corruption.