Understanding the Corruption Networks Revealed in the Current Chinese Anti-corruption Campaign : A Social Network Approach

By analyzing public records of Chinese officials charged under China’s current national anti-corruption campaign, this study is the first to reveal patterns of corruption among Chinese officials at all ranks and in diverse occupations. The study sheds critical light on the networks through which corrupt officials are connected, the extent to which they have engaged in corrupt activities and influenced others, and the level of government and occupation the main perpetrators occupy. Drawing upon public information and court indictments, the author uses social network analysis as a tool to expose these relationships and the network of corrupt activities. In addition to identifying important individuals involved in corrupt practices, this article uncovers patterns of corruption and reveals the structure of corruption networks among Chinese officials.