Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index

Published Thursday, 15th November, 2018 | By Susan AKA Peacefull

Corruption I feel is the key issue of our time. Transparency International are similar to Human Rights Watch, overseeing countries.

They speak of perceptions index, just note perceptions are not about actual corruption, it is about what people perceive of it. I sense in Western countries there is a perception that governments are less corrupt given it is less visible than third world countries where money visibly changes hands. However, consciousness is rising as people do not trust their leaders and the media is not providing full facts on balance. They can just run with press releases which are akin to affective facts (working on emotions/perceptions rather than actual events).

Here is information from Transparency International to gain insights into corruption.

It is only the truth that sets one free, that is to have an intention for truth and transparency. It is critical to a healthy democracy and fully functioning society.

Perhaps surprisingly for a country that ranks in the top 20 of our Corruption Perceptions Index, corruption was a big part of the story told about this week’s US midterm elections.

On the one hand, allegations of voter suppression highlighted deep-running concerns over political corruption. Last year, our US Corruption Barometer revealed that more than a third of Americans believe that most or all members of Congress and other government officials are corrupt (the White House topped the poll).

In New Jersey, a Senator who narrowly avoided being convicted for a major corruption scandal last year is projected to win re-election.

As many commentators noted, the results also mean that the president and his circle will now come under greater scrutiny over much-discussed corruption allegations.

The enormous influence of the US means that the tone set in Washington is critical for the global fight against corruption. Sadly, whether it is threatening independent oversight of an investigation into the president, attacking the media or stepping back from enforcement against companies involved in corruption and fraud, that leadership role is showing signs of slipping.

Will the new and returning politicians help the US restore its lead?

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