Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Democratic Backsliding Drives Global Corruption Index Decline

2/12/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International shows a decline in perceived corruption within democracies, with the U.S. at 64.
Fifty countries, including Turkey and Hungary, have fallen due to democratic backsliding and corruption.
The global average score fell to 42, with over two-thirds below 50.
Ukraine and Moldova show reform potential.
Russia and Venezuela remain bottom.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International shows a decline in perceived corruption within democracies, with the U.S. at 64.
Fifty countries, including Turkey and Hungary, have fallen due to democratic backsliding and corruption.
The global average score fell to 42, with over two-thirds below 50.
Ukraine and Moldova show reform potential.
Russia and Venezuela remain bottom.