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Political Risks

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Defence establishments should be under the democratic control of the political authority that is accountable to its population. Corruption in this context encompasses over-elaborate and opaque defence policy, hidden defence budgets, cronyism at the leadership level, organised crime links, misuse of intelligence for corrupt purposes, and ultimately state capture by officials linked to the defence establishment.

Defence and Security Policy

National defence and security policies form the bedrock of countries’ actions and efforts in this crucial area, and can also serve as entry points for corruption at the highest level. Read more.

Defence Budgets

A crucial ingredient in the creation of accountable armed forces and defence establishments is a transparent budgeting process that allows the public to hold their leadership to account for defence and security spending decisions. Read more.

Defence & National Assets

Where countries are rich in natural assets, such as oil, timber, or minerals, the military or security forces can become closely or improperly connected with their exploitation. Read more.

Organised Crime

Organised crime is present in every country and is a growing transnational security threat. It penetrates national defence, security, and intelligence establishments, and intersects with corruption in these spheres. Read more.

Intelligence Services Control

Intelligence services gather often secret information that has potential economic and political leverage. This makes them highly prone to corruption. Read more.

Export Controls

Arms deals tend to be surrounded by high levels of commercial and national security. This makes the trade particularly susceptible to the risk of corruption as a vehicle for illegal and undesirable arms transfers. Read more.