Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t defence and security just too secretive to make any real changes towards transparency and integrity?

How can Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme (TI DSP) ensure that reforms made in the defence and security establishments you work in are genuine, and not completed to get a ‘stamp of approval’ from an international NGO?

How does Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme (TI DSP) fit into the Transparency International movement as a whole?

What countries and organisations does TI DSP work with?

Who funds TI DSP?

Do you investigate individual cases of corruption in defence and security?

The Transparency International Defence and Security Team does not investigate individual cases of defence corruption. Instead, we focus on active and direct engagement with defence and security establishments to help build counter- and anti-corruption mechanisms. We strongly believe that engaging with defence companies, the armed forces, defence officials, and security personnel can create long-lasting, sustainable change, and that it is in the best interests of all parties to tackle corruption in these establishments.

TI DSP support the rights of whistleblowers, journalists, and all those who uncover cases of corruption in defence and security. In many countries, this is an extremely dangerous field of work. We respect and admire these individuals, and often depend upon their work.

Our team believes that defence and security establishments benefit greatly from engagement with civil society, particularly with regard to monitoring and oversight, and believe that we, and TI National Chapters, can play that role in a powerful and supportive way that has major benefits for all parties involved.

Transparency International runs Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs) in more than 40 countries worldwide. At ALACs, victims and witnesses of corruption can receive free and confidential legal advice. This includes victims of corrupt practices by the police or military services. For more information about ALACs and to locate one in your country, click here.

To report cases of corruption in the UK, contact Crime Stoppers.

Isn’t defence and security just too secretive to make any real changes towards transparency and integrity?

No. TI DSP has extensive experience working in some of the most challenging countries, where many people—including experts—have told us that getting involved is impossible.

Corruption has a negative impact on governments, the armed forces, and ministries of defence and security. These establishments are the first to gain from a corruption-free environment where operations are conducted with transparency and integrity. Corruption in defence deludes prestige, weakens national security, misuses funds, encourages criminal activity and undermines professionalism. Because TI DSP’s approach is collaborative, rather than investigative, we seek to aid defence and security establishments to make positive change that is in their best interest.

It is also in the best long-term interest of defence companies to conduct business in a transparent, non-corrupt way. According to a 2006 survey by Control Risks, one third of defence sector respondents felt that they had lost out on a contract in the previous year due to bribery by a competitor. Defence companies shun corrupt economies and the risks they pose. In addition, high profile cases have shown that corruption in defence companies is often uncovered and can pose a major reputational risk.
How does defence and security corruption affect me?

Defence and security activities are important aspects of every government’s work. In most countries around the world, they also take up a significant portion of national funds. Money spent on defence and security is often vital and justified; however, it is important that there is public oversight of how these sectors operate, as they are supported by public funds and should be for the public’s protection. When defence and security establishments engage in corruption, public funds are wasted, scarce resources are lost or misappropriated, economic development is obstructed, and peacekeeping missions are impeded. They are not held accountable to their citizens. Perhaps most importantly, the defence and security services are prevented or hindered from achieving their primary purpose: protecting a country’s citizens.

How can Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme (TI DSP) ensure that reforms made in the defence and security establishments you work in are genuine, and not completed to get a ‘stamp of approval’ from an international NGO?

Although TI DSP works closely with governments, we do not give public endorsement or approval for any of the establishments we work with. We firmly believe that accountability and integrity are in the best interests of all defence and security establishments around the world; one of our first jobs is often to explain to individuals in these establishments that this is the case, and why. This argument goes far. In general, the majority of people around the world want to work in establishments that are effective and respected. TI DSP can help them achieve that goal, but we do not endorse the results on their behalf.

How does Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme (TI DSP) fit into the Transparency International movement as a whole?

We are part of Transparency International’s UK (TI UK) chapter, based in London. TI UK works mainly on UK corruption issues, whereas the Defence and Security Programme has a global mandate and works with countries and other Transparency International chapters around the world.

What countries and organisations does TI DSP work with?

TI DSP is an independent, not-for-profit NGO. We work with a wide variety of international organisations, defence and security forces, defence ministries, military academies, government bodies, civil society groups and defence companies worldwide.
You can view the countries we work with on our map page [hyperlink], and read a list of our partners here. We also work closely with a number of Transparency International National Chapters—a full list of all Transparency International national chapters is available here.

Who funds TI DSP?

TI DSP currently receives generous funding from DFID and NATO. We provide our Annual Review and Funding information here.