1. What is the Global Corruption Report?

The Global Corruption Report is an annual evaluation of the state of corruption around the world, produced by Transparency International, the world's leading anti-corruption NGO. The report draws together analyses from experts and activists and presents recent developments pertaining to corruption as well as the fight against it.

2. How is the Global Corruption Report unique?

The Global Corruption Report offers an annual, systematic analysis of corruption around the globe. Besides dedicating a thematic section to one key corruption issue, the report features assessments of the state of corruption at the international, regional and national levels and examines topical themes of global importance. It also brings together empirical findings from leading researchers on different aspects of corruption, in a format that is suitable for a broad readership.

3. How often is it published?

The Global Corruption Report is an annual publication and reviews a 12-month period from July to June. The first issue - the Global Corruption Report 2001 - was published in October 2001 and covers the period from 1 July 2000 to June 30 2001. The second edition, the Global Corruption Report 2003, was published in January 2003 and covers the 12-month period immediately following the period under review in the inaugural edition. The Global Corruption Report 2004 was launched in March 2004, and covers the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003. The Global Corruption Report 2005 was published in March 2005 and covers the period 1 July 2003 to 31June 2004. The Global Corruption Report 2006 is due to be launched on 1 February 2006 and covers the period 1 July 2004 to 31 May 2005.

4. Who reads the Global Corruption Report?

The Global Corruption Report is aimed at a wide audience:
It is essential reading for policy-makers. With corruption now at the top of the policy agenda across much of the world, policy-makers must keep in touch with recent developments in other countries and the findings of recent research.

Business executives are increasingly recognising the need to take anti-corruption measures. The Global Corruption Report provides a strong case for action and considers many of the measures being taken by businesses.

Journalists will find documented in the Global Corruption Report up-to-date assessments of corruption in many countries around the world, and striking new data and research findings. To quote from a press article about the report, 'Business and politics have long been a hotbed for bribery and corruption. A new report reveals who's involved, how and even why.' Guardian (UK), 16 October 2001.

Civil society activists engaged in the fight against corruption and related struggles will find news of actions taken by groups elsewhere in the world and key global developments.

For academics and students in many fields, the report provides an important annual record and contains a unique compilation of expert assessments and recent empirical findings from a wide range of researchers. The report is relevant to all those studying governance, whether in the fields of political science, international relations, economics, law, public sector management or development studies. It is also key reading for students of business and management who are concerned with business ethics.

5. Who writes the Global Corruption Report?

TI commissions most of the contributions from academics and experts. Country reports are almost exclusively written by active members of TI's corresponding National Chapters. The report is edited by a team of staff at the TI International Secretariat in Berlin and London. An Editorial Advisory Panel made up of about 15 experts both from within and external to the TI movement advises the editorial team. All texts are peer reviewed by two independent experts in addition to the GCR editors and Editorial Advisory Panel.

6. How does the Global Corruption Report differ from the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)?

Whereas the CPI assigns scores to countries surveyed for the index, the Global Corruption Report presents stories and experiences that may shed light on the scores. Whereas the CPI ranks countries from the least to the most corrupt, the Global Corruption Report identifies challenges and successes in all countries around the world. Unlike the CPI, which is based on surveys, the Global Corruption Report is based on reporting and assessments of developments in corruption.

Whereas the CPI attempts to measure perceptions of corruption, the Global Corruption Report explores different kinds of corruption, measures being taken to fight corruption, national and region-wide trends and the factors that influence these trends.

Each Global Corruption Report features the most recent CPI in its research section, which also contains other corruption-related indices and data surveys from a range of different organisations.
For more on the CPI, see the main Transparency International website.

7. How are the countries covered in the Global Corruption Report chosen?

TI introduced country reports in the Global Corruption Report 2004. These reports offer a detailed look at key national corruption-related developments, as assessed by members of TI's National Chapters as well as selected experts. The selection of countries is aimed at ensuring a regional balance as well as a diversity in economies and government systems. The result is a group of reports that vary in terms of topics and approach, reflecting the wealth of knowledge within TI's worldwide movement.

The Global Corruption Report does not attempt to discuss every country in the world. The fact that some countries are not analysed, or that some countries receive greater coverage than others, in no way reflects the state of corruption in those countries.

8. How are the contributions chosen for the corruption research section of the report?

The Global Corruption Report features a wide range of comparative and policy-oriented research. Contributions are selected for their policy implications and innovative methodologies.

The inaugural edition of the Global Corruption Report limited contributions to comparative research.

9. Who funds the report?

The report is currently funded by a grant from the German development cooperation ministry and institutional support to Transparency International.

10. How can I contribute to the Global Corruption Report?

Potential contributors to the Global Corruption Report - whether experts, academics or journalists - are encouraged to contact the editorial team at Transparency International: gcr@transparency.org.
If you are interested in supporting Transparency International's work, please contact TI's National Chapter or National Contact in your country. For contact details, see the full listing of National Chapters on TI's website.

11. Does the GCR offer internships?

Yes, we occasionally accept internship applications. Please see the main TI website for more information on internships.

12.The GCR 2006 focuses on corruption and health.What work does TI do on health?

Many of TI's National Chapters have been working to reducing corruption in the health sector. In the area of procurement, for example, monitoring of medicine procurement policies and transactions has been conducted by National Chapters in countries including Guatemala and Paraguay. Integrity Pacts in the health sector have been completed in a number of countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, Italy and Peru. Household surveys to assess the impact of corruption in the health sector on families and individuals have been conducted in Bangladesh, amongst other countries. TI's Chapter in Germany has been working for a number of years to assess conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Please click here for more information.