Established democracies are facing a troubling decline in their effectiveness at combating public-sector corruption, according to the latest findings from Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Released on Tuesday, the report highlights a worrying trend in the United States and beyond, as funding cuts and a lack of accountability threaten to undermine anti-corruption efforts worldwide.
A Grim Snapshot of Corruption
Denmark retains its position at the pinnacle of the index, scoring 89 out of 100, with Finland and Singapore following closely. However, the report reveals a stark reality: 122 out of the 182 countries surveyed received less than 50 points, indicating widespread failure to tackle corruption. The global average stands at a disheartening 42, marking the lowest point in over a decade. Notably, only five nations achieved scores above 80—down from twelve a decade ago.
The report’s authors lament the “failure of good governance and accountable leadership” across many democracies, underscoring a troubling pattern of increasing perceived corruption. Even nations traditionally viewed as paragons of integrity, such as New Zealand and Sweden, have seen their scores decline. New Zealand dropped two points to 81, while Sweden remained stagnant at 80. Other notable democracies, including Canada (75), the United Kingdom (70), France (66), and the United States (64), all recorded declines, prompting alarm bells regarding their integrity.
The U.S. Under Scrutiny
The United States, now in 29th place, has recorded its lowest score since Transparency International started using its current ranking methodology in 2012. This drop, down one point from 2024, signals a deterioration in trust, particularly in the wake of policies perceived to undermine independent oversight. The report highlights the government’s use of public office to suppress independent voices, including NGOs and journalists, as well as a worrying trend of politicised legal decisions and diminished judicial independence.
In a particularly troubling assertion, Transparency International condemned the U.S. government’s decision to temporarily halt enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Critics argue that this move, justified by former President Trump as a necessary adjustment, sends a dangerous message: that bribery and corruption may be tolerated in pursuit of competitive advantage.
International Implications of U.S. Actions
The ramifications of the U.S. approach extend beyond its borders. Transparency International asserts that cuts to American aid for foreign civil society groups, which play a vital role in scrutinising government actions, have significantly weakened global anti-corruption efforts. Political leaders in various nations have taken cues from these developments, further targeting independent media and civil society organisations.
The report also highlights significant declines in scores for several countries since 2012, including Hungary (40 points), Turkey (31), and Nicaragua (14). Meanwhile, a handful of nations, such as Estonia (76), Seychelles (68), and South Korea (63), have made noteworthy improvements, demonstrating that reform is possible, albeit difficult.
A Global Perspective
Russia continues to languish near the bottom of the index at 22 points, characterised by a “fully centralised, opaque governance” that stifles dissent and independent thought. In contrast, Ukraine, grappling with the aftermath of an energy-sector scandal, saw a slight increase to 36 points, reflecting a civil society that has mobilised to protect anti-corruption measures, although much work remains to safeguard reconstruction funds from misuse.
Why it Matters
The findings from Transparency International’s latest report paint a stark picture of a global crisis in governance. As democracies falter in their commitment to combat corruption, the implications stretch far beyond national borders. The erosion of trust in public institutions not only threatens the fabric of democracy itself but also emboldens corrupt practices that undermine social cohesion and economic stability worldwide. In an era where accountability is paramount, the failure to address these concerns could lead to a dramatic shift in the balance of power and integrity on a global scale.
