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-Editorial
The Biden-Harris administration has undertaken an unprecedented initiative to combat global corruption, recognizing it as a significant threat to U.S. national security and international stability. The pervasive misuse of power by officials across various governments not only facilitates authoritarian regimes and kleptocratic networks but also undermines democratic governance, citizen welfare, and fair competition in the global market. Corruption’s ripple effects extend far beyond individual countries, affecting economies, societies, and international relations. From the administration’s outset, addressing this widespread issue became a key priority.
Early in the administration, the issuance of the National Security Study Memorandum formally established anti-corruption efforts as a “core U.S. national security interest.” This declaration was followed by the release of the inaugural United States Strategy on Countering Corruption in December 2021. The strategy laid out a comprehensive framework to tackle corruption both within U.S. borders and globally, emphasizing prevention, prosecution, and international collaboration. The plan marked a turning point, underscoring the need for a unified and proactive approach to combat this age-old problem.
The U.S. government has since embarked on a multi-faceted campaign targeting illicit financial flows, prosecuting corrupt actors, and building partnerships with other nations to strengthen anti-corruption measures. Notably, the administration has focused on shielding the U.S. financial system from exploitation, particularly in high-risk sectors like real estate, where money laundering has often gone unchecked. The administration’s efforts have included implementing the Corporate Transparency Act, which mandates that businesses disclose beneficial ownership information, aiming to prevent anonymous shell companies from being used to conceal illegal financial activities.
The Biden administration’s commitment to countering corruption has translated into significant foreign assistance dedicated to anti-corruption initiatives. In the 2023 fiscal year, $339 million was allocated to support these efforts—almost double the average of the previous four years. This funding has been instrumental in bolstering anti-corruption institutions, enabling investigative journalism to expose corruption, and leveling the playing field for businesses by fostering transparency and accountability.
U.S. law enforcement agencies have also played a crucial role in advancing global anti-corruption efforts. Through capacity-building programs, they have supported criminal convictions, asset seizures, and the repatriation of stolen assets to their rightful owners. For example, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has collaborated with foreign judicial partners to recover more than $1.7 billion in assets since 2021, while the State Department has intensified efforts to strengthen diplomatic and strategic engagement on anti-corruption issues.
Combating bribery has been a focal point of the administration’s agenda. The DOJ, leveraging the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), has imposed over $3.5 billion in fines on corporations found guilty of engaging in foreign bribery since 2021. This robust enforcement underscores the administration’s resolve to hold both individuals and companies accountable. The United States has not only pursued legal action but has also advocated for stronger anti-bribery regulations worldwide through platforms like the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. The administration’s actions signal a clear message: foreign bribery and corporate misconduct will not be tolerated, and companies must operate with integrity and transparency.
Protecting the U.S. financial system from corrupt actors has been a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy. The Treasury Department has implemented new regulations to curb money laundering, focusing on high-risk areas such as the real estate and financial services sectors. Recent rule changes aim to close loopholes that previously allowed illicit funds to flow through the economy unchecked. Additionally, a proposed modernization of anti-money laundering programs across financial institutions is intended to fortify the financial system’s defenses. The administration has also imposed sanctions on more than 500 individuals and entities involved in corruption, resulting in significant asset freezes and travel restrictions.
Efforts to combat corruption extend beyond direct perpetrators to include those who enable such activities. In 2023, President Biden issued a proclamation restricting visas for individuals who facilitate or enable corruption, complementing existing sanctions and law enforcement measures aimed at private-sector enablers. A high-profile case involved the conviction of Gunvor, a commodities trading firm, which was fined $661 million for bribing officials in Ecuador. This enforcement illustrates the administration’s commitment to dismantling the networks that support corrupt practices.
The administration’s anti-corruption agenda is not confined to traditional financial sectors. In 2024, the U.S. joined the Blue Dot Network, a global certification initiative for infrastructure projects meeting high standards for quality and transparency. The administration also launched the PROTECT program to address corruption risks in critical mineral supply chains. Partnering with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States signed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Fair Economy Agreement, which aims to prevent corruption and promote ethical business practices. These initiatives reflect a broader approach to fostering a corruption-resistant environment across various industries and regions.
Recognizing that corruption within the security sector can undermine military effectiveness and jeopardize U.S. service members’ safety, the Department of Defense (DOD) has incorporated anti-corruption measures into training programs for partner militaries. The State Department has similarly integrated corruption risk assessments into its security sector assistance planning. These steps are crucial in maintaining the integrity of defense-related activities and ensuring that military aid is not misused or siphoned off through corrupt practices.
The administration’s anti-corruption strategy also addresses transnational criminal organizations, which often rely on corruption to facilitate drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal activities. The 2023 White House Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime deploys anti-corruption tools to dismantle these criminal networks. Additionally, the administration has supported Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts as part of its broader strategy to counter Russia’s aggression. U.S. assistance has helped Ukraine make significant progress in legal reforms and prosecuting corrupt officials, reinforcing the country’s resistance against foreign influence and internal corruption.