Abstract
<jats:p>This chapter aims to contribute to the theoretical and practical field by deepening the understanding of the relationships between the main contemporary determinants of corruption and the allocation of public goods and services in Colombia. The study integrates findings from a systematic review of scientific literature and open-ended interviews with key actors from the public sector, the private sector, and civil society. Rather than presenting corruption as an isolated deviation or the outcome of individual misconduct, the research frames it as a structural, cultural, and institutional phenomenon, deeply embedded in the evolution of the country’s governance. The analysis identifies three interpretative dimensions: institutional deterioration and governance capture, cultural and ethical transformations in society, and oversight processes and the safeguarding of the public good. By mapping these variables and their interrelations, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how systemic corruption undermines effectiveness, equity, and legitimacy in the allocation of public resources. The findings provide both conceptual and practical implications for the design of public policies, institutional reforms, and anticorruption strategies tailored to the Colombian sociopolitical context, while also offering valuable insights for other countries facing similar structural challenges.</jats:p>