Corruption is the abuse of public institutions for private gain. Recent studies have shown conclusively what has been long widely assumed, namely, that corruption is detrimental to both the economic and the political well-being of countries. The World Bank estimates that the cost of corruption amounts to $80 billion worldwide; a study by the International Monetary Fund indicates that corruption can reduce a country's GDP by more than 0.5 percent. Corruption creates distortions and inefficiencies in public life, and it increases inequality: it unfairly benefits the few with access to the powerful, while especially harming the poorest. Corruption is not just a national but a global problem, because large-scale corruption frequently involves international transactions and players. This seminar will discuss the international dimensions of corruption, including concerns about corruption in the provision of development assistance.

Download the complete handout and report (PDF file), Global Economy presentation (PPT file), the chapter from the book Global Issues for Global Citizens (PDF file), a presentation on global corruption (PPT file), Schenk Presentation (PDF file) and Pradhan Presentation (PPT file).

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