Global Corruption Crisis: US, UK & South Africa Decline in Rankings

Democracies in Decline: Corruption Perceptions Index Reveals Global Erosion

A new report indicates a worrying trend of increasing corruption within established democracies, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released by Transparency International, shows both nations have reached new lows in the global ranking, reflecting concerns over political donations, undue influence, and the targeting of journalists and campaigners.

The CPI, which assesses 182 countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, places Denmark at the top with the lowest levels of corruption, while South Sudan remains at the bottom. The index revealed a global deterioration, with 31 countries improving their scores while 50 declined.

The United States experienced a particularly significant setback, slipping to 29th place – its lowest ranking since 1995, when the index was relaunched with a new methodology. This ties the US with the Bahamas, falling behind Lithuania, Barbados, and Uruguay. According to Transparency International CEO Maíra Martini, “We are very concerned about the situation in the United States,” warning that this declining trend may continue.

Several factors contributed to the US’s decline. The report points to actions taken during the Trump administration, including curtailing investigations into corporate foreign bribery and weakening enforcement of foreign agent registration laws. Concerns were raised regarding actions perceived as undermining the Justice Department and targeting perceived political opponents. Transparency International highlighted that recent developments, though not fully reflected in the 2025 index, such as actions targeting independent voices and judicial independence, are cause for serious alarm.

The United Kingdom also experienced a continued decline, falling to 20th place in 2025, with a score of 70 out of 100, down from 71 the previous year. Britain has been gradually slipping down the rankings since 2015, when it held a position as the seventh least corrupt nation. Transparency International attributed this latest decline to concerns surrounding the 2024 general election, specifically the record spending on campaigning and the increasing reliance on wealthy donors. The Conservative party, for example, reportedly accepted £15 million from a single donor in less than 12 months.

The broader trend identified in the CPI suggests a worrying pattern of backsliding in democratic institutions globally. The report highlights the erosion of checks and balances, the increasing influence of money in politics, and the suppression of independent media as key drivers of this deterioration.

Israel also saw a decline, dropping to 35th place amid the broader trend of weakening democratic norms.

Transparency International emphasizes the need for urgent action to address these challenges. The organization calls for greater transparency in political financing, stronger protections for journalists and whistleblowers, and a renewed commitment to the rule of law. The organization’s analysis suggests that without concerted efforts to combat corruption, the foundations of democratic governance will continue to erode.

The CPI serves as a crucial tool for monitoring global corruption levels and holding governments accountable. The latest findings underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic values and promote good governance worldwide.