Clientelism
/ˌklaɪn.təlˈɪz.əm/
Definitions
- (n.) A political or legal practice involving the exchange of goods, services, or favors for political support, typically undermining formal institutional processes.
Clientelism often leads to corruption by exchanging favors for votes within political systems.
Related terms
Commentary
In legal and political scholarship, clientelism connotes informal, often illicit, power networks that affect governance and rule of law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.