A recent study published by Transparency International shows that the United States now has a higher level of perceived corruption than Saudi Arabia. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is based on evaluations from experts and businesses regarding the abuse of public power and bribery in the public sector across 182 countries, indicating widespread corruption issues. The report, released on Tuesday, highlights a troubling trend where many countries are struggling to combat corruption effectively.

Since 2012, only 31 countries have significantly reduced their corruption levels, emphasizing a worldwide rise in corruption levels, which are currently at their highest average since 2012. The findings suggest a disturbing deterioration in governance and trust in public institutions in various regions, including traditionally stable democracies like the United States. The ongoing challenges of corruption may further undermine public confidence and complicate efforts to balance power within these societies.

As countries grapple with these issues, the implications of the report are significant for both domestic and international policy. The growing perception of corruption can have ramifications for how nations interact on the global stage, affecting trade, foreign investment, and diplomatic relations. The findings prompted calls for stronger measures to combat corruption and improve transparency in governance worldwide, particularly in the U.S., where recent trends indicate a decline in governmental integrity.