A comprehensive global assessment of public-sector corruption reveals troubling regression among established democracies, with the United States exhibiting particularly concerning trends. Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, released Tuesday, demonstrates a widespread failure in governance accountability worldwide.
The report positions Denmark at the pinnacle with 89 out of 100 points, closely followed by Finland and Singapore. Conversely, South Sudan and Somalia languish at the bottom with merely 9 points each, trailed by Venezuela. Most alarmingly, 122 of the 182 surveyed nations scored below 50 points, while the global average dipped to 42—the lowest recorded in over a decade.
Democratic nations show disturbing deterioration, with even high-performing countries like New Zealand (down to 81 points) and Sweden (static at 80) experiencing declines. The United States recorded its worst performance since the current methodology began in 2012, dropping to 64 points and 29th place globally. Canada (75), United Kingdom (70), and France (66) likewise demonstrated concerning trajectories.
The report identifies multiple factors eroding America’s anti-corruption standing, including the weaponization of public office against independent voices, transactional politics, compromised prosecutorial independence, and judicial interference. Particularly damaging was the Trump administration’s decision to freeze enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act—a move characterized as signaling acceptance of bribery practices.
Additionally, U.S. aid reductions to overseas civil society organizations have undermined global anti-corruption efforts, emboldening authoritarian leaders to restrict NGOs and journalists.
Regional variations reveal significant developments: Hungary (40), Turkey (31), and Nicaragua (14) represent the most dramatic decliners since 2012. Conversely, Estonia (76), Seychelles (68), and South Korea (63) demonstrate notable improvement. Russia remains entrenched near the bottom with 22 points, reflecting its centralized, opaque governance. Ukraine, despite ongoing conflict, improved to 36 points through strengthened anti-corruption institutions and investigations, though concerns persist regarding defense fund management.