Past and emerging landscape of bribery corruption research in ASEAN: bibliometric review of literature (1982–2025)

Abstract

Purpose – Despite numerous anti-corruption initiatives, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries (except Singapore) have achieved limited success in combating corruption. Existing scholarship remains fragmented across countries, disciplines and theoretical perspectives. This study aims to apply a comprehensive bibliometric approach to map the intellectual structure, thematic evolution and collaboration gaps in corruption research across ASEAN, thereby identifying avenues for integrated policy, behavioral and governance-oriented interventions. Design/methodology/approach – This review draws on 1, 062 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1982 and 2025, using bibliometric methods to analyze thematic patterns, research trends and collaboration networks. Findings – ASEAN-based scholars, especially from Vietnam and Malaysia, have increasingly outpaced western counterparts, displacing Australia and the USA as leading contributors to the field. While non-ASEAN scholars often investigate macro-level causes and implications of corruption, ASEAN researchers focus more on localized best practices and tools, largely in response to domestic corruption scandals. The findings reveal persistent fragmentation in past research, alongside opportunities to integrate anti-corruption solutions with technology, governance reforms and sociodemographic perspectives. Emerging interests include methodical approaches such as e-government, internal controls, governance innovations and private sector involvement. Future scholarship could benefit from stronger collaboration between ASEAN and non-ASEAN researchers, combining macro- and micro-level analyses, incorporating behavioral insights and examining success beyond Singapore. Originality/value – Although bibliometric reviews on corruption exist, they are typically descriptive or sector-specific. This study advances the field by conceptualizing corruption and bribery as multi-faceted phenomena and by highlighting key themes, discrepancies and emerging directions for research in ASEAN.