The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals a troubling global trend: corruption continues to thrive, fueled by weakening justice systems. The CPI, released by Transparency International, ranks 180 countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. It uses a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Alarmingly, over two-thirds of nations scored below 50, indicating serious corruption issues, with a global average of 43. Even more concerning, 23 countries hit their lowest scores in CPI history this year.
The erosion of justice systems is a major factor driving this rise in corruption. Around the world, both authoritarian and democratic regimes are undermining judicial institutions, creating an environment where public officials act with impunity. This breakdown in accountability encourages corrupt practices such as bribery and abuse of power, even within courts and justice institutions. As corruption becomes entrenched, vulnerable populations are left with limited access to justice, while the wealthy and powerful manipulate legal systems for personal gain, the report says.
Even countries that score higher on the CPI are not immune to corruption. Many have been linked to cross-border bribery and other illicit activities, often involving companies or professionals from top-scoring nations. Despite their strong domestic scores, these countries frequently fail to prosecute those involved in transnational corruption.
Regionally, the CPI paints a bleak picture. While Western Europe and the European Union remain the highest-scoring region, their average dropped to 65, reflecting weakening checks and balances and declining political integrity. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to score the lowest, with an average of 33, as democracy and the rule of law face mounting pressure. Other regions, including Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific, all remain stagnant or in decline, struggling with issues ranging from rising authoritarianism to entrenched political corruption. The Americas, too, suffer from widespread impunity due to weak judicial independence and poor rule of law.
In Western Europe and EU 13% of countries scored below 50. This was 66% countries in the Americas, 68% in the Asia Pacific, 78% in the Middle East and North Africa, 90% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 95% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
While the overall trend is grim, a few countries have managed to improve their scores over the past decade, proving that progress is possible with robust reform efforts. However, the global picture remains one of stagnation and decline, underscoring the urgent need for stronger justice systems to combat the spread of corruption.
