Trust and Distrust: Corruption in Office in Britain and its Empire, 1600-1850

Trust and Distrust offers the first overview of Britain's history of corruption in office in the pre-modern era, 1600-1850, and how it was linked to the domestic and imperial state. It uses extensive interdisciplinary sources to chart and explain the protracted change of corruption and office, which underlined principles of selflessness, disinterestedness, integrity, and accountability in officials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Trust and Distrust: Britain's History of Corruption in Office in the Pre-Modern Era, 1600-1850

This groundbreaking book offers the first comprehensive overview of Britain's history of corruption in office during the pre-modern era, spanning from 1600 to 1850. It appeals to a wide audience, including historians, political and social scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of power and corruption in historical contexts.

Author Mark Knights delves into the intricate relationship between the domestic and imperial stories of corruption in office, revealing how these narratives were interconnected and shaped one another. By drawing on a vast array of interdisciplinary sources, including materials from the East India Company and other colonial officials in the Atlantic World and Britain's emerging empire, Knights pioneers the exploration of corruption in office within the broader context of the domestic and imperial state.

What sets this book apart is its innovative use of the concept of trust, which played a crucial role in shaping the nature of office during this period. Knights argues that trust was not just a moral principle but a practical tool that helped to define the roles and responsibilities of officials and established principles of selflessness, disinterestedness, integrity, and accountability in the workplace. Through a detailed examination of various case studies and historical events, Trust and Distrust sheds light on the ways in which trust was both cultivated and eroded, and how it ultimately contributed to the development of modern bureaucratic systems and practices.

The period from 1600 to 1850 witnessed significant changes in both corruption and office, as Britain underwent a transformative process of industrialization, urbanization, and colonial expansion. Knights' study charts these changes and seeks to explain the underlying factors that influenced the evolution of corruption in office. He explores the ways in which political, economic, and social factors interacted to shape the behavior of officials and the institutions they served.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of patronage in fostering corruption in office. Knights argues that the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few individuals or groups created opportunities for corruption and abuse of power. He explores the ways in which officials used their positions to secure personal benefits, favoritism, and graft, often at the expense of the public good.

Another important aspect of the book is the impact of colonialism on corruption in office. Knights argues that the expansion of Britain's empire brought with it new challenges and opportunities for corruption. He explores the ways in which colonial officials used their positions to exploit local resources, manipulate political systems, and engage in corrupt practices, often with little regard for the well-being of the indigenous populations.

Trust and Distrust offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of Britain's history of corruption in office and its implications for contemporary society. By exploring the complex relationship between trust, power, and corruption, Knights provides a fresh perspective on historical events and challenges us to consider the enduring legacies of these practices in our modern world.

In conclusion, Trust and Distrust is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and social sciences. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Britain's history of corruption in office, shedding light on the complex dynamics of power and corruption in historical contexts. Through its innovative use of the concept of trust, the book provides valuable insights into the development of modern bureaucratic systems and practices and challenges us to reflect on the ethical implications of our contemporary institutions and practices.

Weight: 870g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198796244