Tackling corruption in the defence and security sectors can be a daunting task for policymakers. Whilst many stories point out the problems and the consequences of corruption in these sectors, there is little practical guidance on how to address the issue. Our Handbook on “Building Integrity and Reducing Corruption in Defence and Security: 20 Practical Reforms” was developed to help government leaders and mid-level practitioners bring about effective and meaningful change.

An increasing number of nations are keen to address this topic – from countries with low levels of perceived corruption through those with serious corruption issues, to those in the worst conflict environments. Recently, Latin American governments have shown the same interest, and this piece of research can guide their efforts towards anti-corruption reforms.

Our new Spanish version of the Handbook, like its English predecessor, is our way of answering the questions we are asked about corruption. These have changed significantly over the last eight years. They have shifted from ‘why is defence corruption a significant problem?’ to ‘what should we do about it?’

One of the key topics in the Handbook is leading change. The best starting point is for countries to make corruption reform an acceptable topic of conversation among the top defence and military leadership. In practice, defence and military leaderships too often do not discuss corruption. The defence corruption typology featured in this handbook can help to kick-start this discussion. It is in their interest to do so. Corruption in defence and security wastes money, destroys trust in the armed forces, and puts lives at risk. The 20 reforms outlined in the book are a practical contribution to tackle this problem.

Download our Handbook on “Building Integrity and Reducing Corruption in Defence and Security: 20 Practical Reforms” in Spanish.

Download our Handbook in English.

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