Among the many consequences of colonialism that are still present in postcolonial
societies are corruption and the lack of strong institutions to fight
against this phenomenon. What used to be unequal power relations between
the colonizers and the colonies have been replaced by the dominance of the
local elites over ordinary citizens, who have practically given the former a lot
of leeway to commit acts of corruption with a sense of impunity and without
regard for accountability. One case in point is Mexico which, in recent times,
has made international news headlines because of incidences of drug
trafficking, violence, and corruption in the country. This article delineates the
historical relationship between corruption and colonialism, and how these
forces have shaped Mexican culture. The discussion tackles the presence of
corruption since the colonial times to the present. Specifically, it starts with
an analysis of the role of colonialism in the incidence of corruption. Secondly,
it describes the discrepancy between the law and its application, from the
arrival of the Spanish colonizers to the present. Finally, it examines the cultural,
educational, and social challenges that should be addressed in order to
surmount the colonial legacies that breed corruption.