Abstract

Although digitalization is conceptualized as a potent tool for fostering transparency and tackling corruption, there are conflicting views about its role and efficacy in developing countries. Existing research has focused on various aspects of digitalization, but few studies have examined it as a tool for transparency and anti-corruption in authoritarian states. The present study addresses this gap: it explores the extent to which digitalization has helped advance transparency in public governance and whether enhanced transparency has resulted in reduced corruption in Central Asia’s authoritarian states. To test the hypotheses, we set up a balanced panel data biennially from 2008 to 2022 for the 15 post-Soviet countries and applied hierarchical panel regression models with a moderation effect of democracy level. The findings show that digitalization has in general positive effect on government transparency and that it can effectively lower the level of corruption even in authoritarian contexts. We also find that while digitalization serves as an important strategy in promoting transparency and curbing corruption, the present development in Central Asia remains inadequate which demands robust and sustained attempts towards digitalization and strengthening governance in the region. The paper contributes to the field in several ways. Theoretically, it adds to the limited knowledge about digitalization and its efficacy in the region from a comparative perspective. Practically, the insights of the study especially those pertaining to the limitations and pitfalls of the current approach can inform policies and actions towards bolstering transparency and tackling public sector corruption in the region.