Politics of anti-corruption

Anti-corruption efforts often assume that instances of corruption found in sectors are separate and unconnected, but sometimes they can be part of corruption systems. More resilient anti-corruption efforts are needed to contest corruption systems.

‘Bottom-up’ interventions from coalitions of anti-corruption practitioners can help build a critical mass against politicised corruption and support routes to genuine accountability.

De-democratisation is often disguised as an effort to strengthen government efficiency or enact anti-corruption measures. Practitioners need to rethink anti-corruption efforts in such regimes.

In countries where a systemic approach isn’t practical, practitioners should target specific anti-corruption interventions that promise highest impact and feasibility. Albania is a case in point.