Ahmed Moustafa
Director of Asia Center for Studies and Translation
Intro
Every year, on December 9th, International Anti-Corruption Day is observed to raise awareness of the corrupt practices that exist in the world. The day is marked to encourage nations, organizations, and people to take action against the illicit tendencies that are so pervasive and damaging. Corruption has far-reaching, often devastating consequences, as it poses a threat to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, economic and social development, and moral values. The United Nations Convention against Corruption is the international legal instrument that commits nations to effective measures against corruption. International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to encourage governments, civil society, media, stakeholders, and individuals to work together to tackle corruption and the devastating effects it has on people and the planet. Initiatives taken on this day include creating awareness, organizing events and activities to advocate against corruption, reinforcing anti-corruption policies, and promoting greater transparency and accountability. International Anti-Corruption Day is powered by each of us and is only as successful as our collective efforts are in combating this persisting issue. Together, we have the power to restore faith in the integrity of our public and private sector institutions and safeguard the long-term sustainability of our world.
How much is the cost of corruption this year 2023?
Corruption is a global issue that results in trillions of dollars being stolen annually through various forms of corruption, including bribery, embezzlement, and illegal kickbacks. In 2023, the estimated cost of corruption is expected to exceed $5 trillion, a significant amount that could have been used for development and poverty eradication. Inadequate public services, such as transportation, healthcare, and education, are often a result of corruption and misuse of public funds. Corruption also leads to a decrease in foreign investments, contributing to economic stagnation. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to corruption due to their weak regulatory systems. Corruption also causes political harm, as opposition voices are often silenced by those in power, leading to a lack of trust in democracy and increasing inequality. Governments must work together to address corruption at international, regional, and local levels, investing in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, as well as public education and awareness-raising campaigns. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further devastation and ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Are the Western practices involved in the corruption of the South and East?
The West’s influence in developing countries has been criticized for promoting corruption, as it is often seen as a model for good governance, economic success, and political stability. However, some argue that these Western practices are hindering progress by promoting a culture of corruption. Western-style economic policies have allowed corruption to become endemic, as foreign companies gain control of internal resources and deny citizens and local businesses access to market opportunities. Multinational corporations often manipulate the system for their own interests, contributing to an environment of greed and corruption. Western-style governments have fostered unaccountable and opaque systems of government, leading to corruption in political and regulatory bodies. This lack of transparency also results in the corruption of political and regulatory bodies. Furthermore, Western-style governance approaches often fail to include citizens and promote centralized decision-making, leading to a lack of accountability and misuse of power and resources.
Wars and weapons lobbies are considered a big part of global corruption!
Wars and weapons lobbies are an integral and ubiquitous part of global corruption. They help to craft policies and allocations that lucratively benefit defense contracting companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon while largely ignoring the disadvantages to the environment, human lives, and other key social issues. War profiteering is a prime example of the corrupting influence these corporations can have on a government. Lobbyists working for such companies push for decisions that amount to more aggressive deployment of weaponized assets to foreign states in situations that may warrant constructive dialogue.
The domestic repercussions of unchecked militarization are especially harmful. The shady power brokers of these weapons companies cozy up to lawmakers and can obtain funding for projects that can themselves stir up more conflict in the region, spawning an ever-growing cycle from which money is extracted. An alarming trend has been the increase in politicians receiving donations from these firms, leading to a dangerous corporate-state relationship that can all too easily end up funding dangerous foreign missions poised to endanger innocent lives. The critical need for a stronger overarching framework of global regulations has only grown more pronounced in light of this development.
What are the main fields of corruption and the biggest share thereof?
Corruption is a global issue affecting government and industry, causing losses of up to $2.6 trillion annually, equivalent to over 5% of the global GDP. Common forms include bribery, nepotism, extortion, cronyism, bid rigging, trading in influence, embezzlement, exploitation, and manipulation of loopholes and regulations. Bribery is a prominent form, with one-quarter of people worldwide paying a bribe in the last 12 months. It includes paying public officials to gain an advantage in public policies, favoritism in legal proceedings, and approvals for projects. The public sector is particularly susceptible to corruption, with those in power able to misuse public funds at their will. Public procurement has been historically linked to corrupt practices, including misallocation of resources, privatization of state-owned enterprises, corruption of public officials, and resource misuse. In the private sector, up to a third of company profits come from bribery and other corrupt practices. Strengthening organizations’ compliance with anti-corruption measures is crucial to reduce the prevalence and impact of corruption.
Shadow/unseen trade is also a big part of corruption
Shadow trade refers to covert or illicit economic activities that occur outside the formal system, often allowing individuals and organizations to circumvent regulations, avoid taxes, and engage in illegal practices. This anonymity and secrecy contribute to corruption by allowing individuals and organizations to evade scrutiny and engage in corrupt practices without consequence. The cost of shadow businesses is difficult to estimate due to the lack of reporting, but estimates range from 5 to 17 percent of global GDP. Shadow trade thrives on exploitation and bribery, perpetuating corruption through illegal wildlife trafficking and counterfeit goods. It relies on illicit networks that exploit vulnerable communities and bribe officials to ensure the smooth flow of illegal goods. This lack of regulation and accountability allows corrupt actors to manipulate markets, leading to socioeconomic imbalances and increased levels of inequality.
The consequences of shadow trade extend beyond economic spheres, infiltrating political systems and eroding social fabric. Corruption and shadow trade undermine trust in institutions, breed cynicism among citizens, and perpetuate corrupt practices within society. The diversion of resources and revenue into shadow trade deprives countries of funds that could have been invested in public services, exacerbating social inequalities and hindering development.
Netanyahu tries to exceed corruption crimes via his bloody war in Gaza
Netanyahu is nearing the end of his term as Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister, but he faces three corruption charges. To distract attention from these scandals, he has escalated the war in Gaza, exacerbated the ongoing human rights crisis, and ignored the suffering of the people living in the conflict zone. His strategy has been one of aggression, with little regard for peace. This is evident in the frequent assaults on Gaza and a willingness to attack Palestinians in the West Bank. Netanyahu has refused to seek solutions to the conflict, instead focusing on controlling the Palestinian population. This increased repression has worsened the humanitarian crisis, with millions of Palestinians living in poverty and lacking access to basic services. The war and military operations have provoked further Palestinian resistance and alienation, leading to an alarming humanitarian situation with rising child mortality and displacement. Netanyahu’s war in Gaza is a hallmark of his intransigence and determination to continue his militaristic approach to the conflict in Israel-Palestine. This destructive behavior has perpetuated a cycle of violence and bloodshed, making it harder to reach a peaceful resolution.
Anticorruption is a joint responsibility between North and South
Anticorruption is a joint responsibility between the North and South, with both playing crucial roles in promoting corruption-free societies. The Global South, with its poorer countries, faces a greater challenge in the fight against corruption. The North can provide financial assistance and technical support to combat corruption, while donor countries must ensure development assistance does not reinforce corrupt practices. The North should also push for global efforts to crack down on corruption and support initiatives that strengthen global norms and standards. The South has an important role to play in the fight against corruption, creating an environment for citizens to denounce corruption, holding public institutions accountable, and promoting a culture of integrity. This includes an effective regulatory framework, employee integrity networks, increased oversight of the private sector, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. Active South-South collaboration is crucial for global progress against corruption. A holistic approach and unwavering commitment from both the North and South are necessary for a victorious fight against corruption.
Corruption in Egypt and methods used to combat it
Corruption has been a significant issue in Egypt since ancient times, posing a significant threat to economic development, political stability, and the equitable distribution of state resources. The country has several institutes and laws in place to combat corruption, including the Administrative Control Authority (ACA), the Central Auditing Agency (CAA), and the National Council for Human Rights. A new anti-corruption law and a code of ethics for public officials have also been enacted. However, combating corruption remains a significant challenge. The main preventive approach involves strengthening law enforcement capacities, increasing public awareness of corruption’s consequences, restructuring the public sector, and reducing bureaucratic red tape. Additionally, efforts should focus on improving government and corporate accountability, financial monitoring systems, and external oversight systems. Corruption prevention should be viewed as a long-term process, focusing on eliminating opportunities for corruption. This includes implementing existing anti-corruption laws and codes, enforcing penalties with transparency and accountability, encouraging public-private partnerships, raising public oversight levels, and training staff in emergency response and natural resource management.
Chinese distinguished anti-corruption experience
The Chinese government has been working to combat corruption since the 1980s, focusing on internal bureaucracy and bribery and embezzlement. Despite some setbacks, the government has seen improvements in corruption curtailing and promoting a culture of integrity among public officials. The success of this anti-corruption campaign is attributed to its intelligence-driven approach, which uses advanced technologies and big data analytics to identify patterns of corruption and suspicious behaviors. Machine learning algorithms are used to detect anomalies in financial transactions and asset declarations, enabling authorities to investigate potential cases more efficiently. The government emphasizes intelligence sharing and collaboration between agencies to gather comprehensive information and build strong cases against corrupt individuals. The Chinese government also recognizes corruption as a systemic issue, recognizing the complex web of factors contributing to it, such as institutional weaknesses, economic inequality, and inadequate supervision. To tackle these underlying causes, the government has introduced systemic reforms, such as streamlining bureaucratic procedures, enhancing financial oversight, and reshaping incentives for public officials. By comprehensively analyzing the root causes of corruption, China has been able to address the problem holistically, promoting long-term sustainable change.
To conclude, Corruption is a persistent issue that affects governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide. It can manifest in various forms, such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and financial fraud. Corruption undermines economic growth, job creation, and essential public services, and casts a shadow over good governance and justice delivery. To combat corruption, governments must focus on eliminating it through effective oversight, tighter governance structures, increased transparency, and accountability in the public sector. Promoting ethical behavior in both public and private sectors and educating the public on these values is also crucial. Building a culture of integrity and ethical behavior among the public is also crucial for proper policy implementation. Governments should also impose meaningful sanctions and punish acts of corruption to reduce its occurrence and minimize potential damage.
