The aim of this research is to demonstrate the influence of the EU on the anti-corruption efforts and attitudes in the Republic of Croatia 2001 – 2018. Using a constructivist approach, three stages...Show moreThe aim of this research is to demonstrate the influence of the EU on the anti-corruption efforts and attitudes in the Republic of Croatia 2001 – 2018. Using a constructivist approach, three stages of norm cycle are identified regarding the acceptance of the anti-corruption norm in order to offer a deeper understanding of the norm transfer as a prerequisite for the successful fight against corruption. Two main mechanisms which are part of the norm cycle are investigated: the EU conditionality and the “naming and shaming” mechanism. The methodology of this research relied on the comparative case study method focusing on process tracing as it observes the influence of the EU on a single country throughout time. After demonstrating the valuable data in forms of documentation published by both the EU and Croatia, it was concluded the EU conditionality was more effective than the mechanism of “naming and shaming” but also, that Croatia still requires a lot of time and effort in order to reach the final stage of the norm cycle, the norm internalization.Show less
