Working Papers (WPs) reflect TI’s ongoing work on its five global priorities and address other key anti-corruption issues. They profile innovative and succinct perspectives and highlight areas for follow-up action.

WPs are intended for a broad audience including the TI Movement, relevant CSOs, companies, governments, journalists and academics. Leading experts and partners in combating corruption — including TI national chapters — are often invited to guest author papers.

WPs form part of TI’s Working Paper and Policy Position series and are produced in coordination with the Policy and Research Department. Unlike Policy Positions, they do not set out a specific TI stance but rather focus on lessons learned in crafting effective policy responses. All are available electronically, as a hard copy and in English, French and/or Spanish.

When money corrupts campaigns and candidates, political finance can undermine the same democratic values and good governance that it also supports. To prevent and address the problem, transparency and accountability must form part of the policies used to combat it. Working Paper No 1/2008. see more.

While the corruption that affects HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment is similar to others in the health sector, the scale of the pandemic, high drug costs, and numerous new agencies increase the opportunities for breakdowns Working Paper No. 2/2006. see more.

Every year, the world spends more than US $3.1 trillion on health services. However, growing evidence indicates that corruption results in significant losses and denial of good quality health services to millions of people. Working Paper No. 1/2006. see more

Corruption is a key contributor to the degradation of renewable natural resources. Poor governance may translate into sub-standard environmental policies and, in extreme cases, the wholesale plunder of a country's natural resources. Working Paper No. 1/2007. see more.

In corrupt education systems, students do not acquire the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to their country's economy and society. They learn from a young age that a lack of integrity is an acceptable way of life. Working Paper No. 4/2007. see more .

Global defence is a big business, with expenditures exceeding more than US $1 trillion. Yet the defence establishment has historically been one of the least transparent of any government organisation. Working Paper No. 2/2007. see more

Women impact on, and are affected by, corruption. Anti-corruption policies need to address these gender implications if successful interventions are to result. Working Paper No. 3/2007. see more

Humanitarian aid is at risk from corruption. Lessons learned provide ideas for policies to minimise these risks and offer guidance for the many organisations engaged on this issue. Working Paper No. 3/2006. see more.

Across different country contexts, corruption has been a cause and consequence of poverty. Yet donors and governments still treat poverty and corruption as separate — rather than integral — components of the same strategy, which has undermined the fight against both these obstacles to development. Working Paper No 2/2008. see more