Corruption can no longer be seen as a purely civilian or governance issue. Recent experience, from Afghanistan to Bosnia to Colombia, has shown the need for nations to recognize corruption as a major contextual factor in operations. Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme (TI DSP) believes that corruption at all levels, including corruption carried out by nationals that international forces work with, must be taken into account

It is often tempting to ignore or overlook corruption as one which is an inevitable consequence of conflict, a cultural norm, or a governance problem which has no bearing on military operations.  However, with increased focus on stabilisation operations and conflict prevention, there is increasing recognition that the problem of corruption is a major conflict dynamic, contributes to continued instability, and has a direct impact on military operations.   

Dealing with corruption in a conflict or post conflict situation presents unique challenges and dilemmas.  The International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) Anti-Corruption Guidance states: “corruption directly fuels the insurgency and cannot be ignored.” Disregarding corruption in-country undermines the credibility of the mission and its chances of success.   

Blindness to local corruption also indicates a lack of awareness of the way the international community’s presence may itself fuel corruption. In Afghanistan, for example, the huge volume of money flowing into the country, whether as aid, government budget support, military contracting or any other source, is greatly exacerbating corruption. There is a significant lack of accountability for these funds, negligible transparency in the contracting process, and often a poor quality of outcome and in some cases, non-delivery.

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