Research Trends in Corruption, Governance, and Capital Flows: A Bibliometric Analysis with an Asian Perspective (1996–2024)

The interplay between corruption, governance, and capital flows has profound implications for economic growth, institutional development, and financial stability, particularly in Asia’s diverse and rapidly evolving economies. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of scholarly research on these topics from 1996 to 2024, focusing on publication trends, leading authors, influential journals, country-wise outputs, institutional collaborations, thematic clusters, and citation impact. Data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases, and analytical tools such as Biblioshiny (RStudio) and VOS viewer were employed to visualise co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and institutional linkages. The findings reveal a steady growth in publications, with China, India, and Japan emerging as the most productive countries, while key journals such as World Development and Journal of Development Studies dominate the field. Thematic analysis identifies five primary clusters: governance and corruption, capital flows and FDI, institutional quality, anti-corruption policies, and emerging markets. Seminal publications and influential authors shaping the intellectual landscape are highlighted. The study offers insights into research evolution, collaboration patterns, and emerging topics in the Asian context, providing a foundation for future research and policy interventions.