The robustness of the rule of law (RoL) is influenced by multiple factors, with national or societal culture being a significant one. This paper collects data on national cultures (e.g. Hoftede, Schwartz, Inglehart), RoL indices, and control variables such as GDP per capita from a wide range of countries. It examines the statistical correlation between national culture and the institutional robustness of the rule of law. The analysis reveals that national culture significantly shapes the RoL worldwide and may be the most critical direct influencer among all potential societal variables.

Reviewers:  

Boda Zsolt Director General, HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences

Fleck Zoltán Professor, Center for Theory of Law and Society, ELTE School of Law

Szente Zoltán Research Professor, HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences Institute for Legal Studies

Language: English

The program addresses the paper elaborated within the OTKA 143381 Support for the Rule of Law. The Cultural Preconditions of a Strong and Stable Rule of Law.