State Capture

State capture occurs when private individuals or organizations influence a country's government to serve their own interests, rather than the public's. This often involves powerful stakeholders gaining control over key institutions like the judiciary, regulations, or government agencies through corruption, bribery, or undue influence. As a result, decisions favor these private interests rather than the common good, undermining transparency, accountability, and fair governance. Essentially, state capture erodes democratic processes by allowing a few to manipulate state mechanisms for personal or corporate gain, compromising the rule of law and equitable development.