Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is a globally recognized metric that ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. Compiled annually by Transparency International, the index scores 180 countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The CPI serves as a crucial tool in assessing corruption trends worldwide and highlights areas where improvements are needed. In 2024, the index underscores that while some progress has been made, corruption remains a major global challenge.
India’s Position in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index
India has been ranked 96th in the 2024 CPI, dropping three places from its 93rd position in 2023. The country’s corruption score declined to 38 in 2024 from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022, indicating a steady deterioration in public sector transparency. Despite efforts to curb corruption, the decline suggests persistent governance challenges.
Among India’s neighbors, Pakistan ranks at 135, Sri Lanka at 121, and Bangladesh at 149, while China fared better at 76. These rankings reflect the ongoing struggle of South Asian nations in combating corruption effectively.
Least and Most Corrupt Countries in the World
Denmark continues to be the least corrupt country in the world, followed by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand. These countries consistently score high on transparency and anti-corruption measures, maintaining stable governance structures that deter illicit activities.
On the other end of the spectrum, South Sudan ranked as the most corrupt country with a score of just 8, overtaking Somalia, which scored 9. Venezuela and Syria followed closely with scores of 10 and 12, respectively. The persistence of corruption in these nations is often linked to political instability, weak legal frameworks, and authoritarian regimes.
Declining Scores Among Global Powers
Several global powers witnessed significant drops in their rankings. The United States slipped from a score of 69 to 65, moving from the 24th to the 28th position. France saw a decline from 71 to 67, falling to 25th place, while Germany dropped three points to 75, sharing the 15th position with Canada. Mexico also registered a sharp decline, losing five points to settle at a score of 26.
Russia’s position worsened further, losing four points to score 22, largely due to its invasion of Ukraine, which has reinforced authoritarianism and corruption. Meanwhile, Ukraine, despite a slight dip to a score of 35, showed progress in judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts.
The Impact of Corruption on Climate Initiatives
A key highlight of the 2024 report is the intersection of corruption and climate change. Transparency International warned that the misuse of climate funds, lack of transparency, and undue influence from the private sector pose significant risks to global climate action. The report emphasized that corruption obstructs crucial policies needed to mitigate climate change and results in the misallocation of funds meant for climate adaptation.
“Huge numbers of people around the world suffer severe consequences of global heating, as funds intended to help countries cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable populations are stolen or misused,” the report stated. It called for urgent measures to prevent financial mismanagement in climate initiatives, ensuring that funds are used effectively for sustainable development.
The Need for Stronger Global Anti-Corruption Efforts
The 2024 CPI report highlights that corruption remains a pressing challenge worldwide, with 148 countries either stagnating or worsening in their scores since 2012. While 32 countries have shown improvement, efforts to curb corruption have been inconsistent and, in some cases, have regressed.
Many high-ranking countries on the CPI have the resources and influence to drive anti-corruption reforms globally. However, the report points out that some of these nations also serve as financial hubs for illicit funds linked to corruption, environmental crimes, and other illegal activities. While the CPI does not measure financial crimes directly, the presence of “dirty money” significantly exacerbates corruption worldwide.
The Need for Urgent Reforms
Corruption remains a major impediment to democratic governance, economic stability, and human rights. The 2024 CPI findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to tackle corruption at national and international levels. Governments must prioritize transparency, strengthen legal frameworks, and enhance accountability mechanisms to curb corrupt practices.
The report warns that failure to address corruption will further embolden authoritarian regimes, undermine democratic institutions, and destabilize economies. Immediate action is necessary to ensure that corruption does not continue to hinder global progress. As Transparency International emphasized, combating corruption is not just about development but also about securing a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
(With inputs from agencies)
