Secrecy has become as important for corporations as transparent and taxable profits used to be, according to Raymond W. Baker in his new book Invisible Trillions. Global capitalism, he argues, operates beyond the rule of law. This contributes to extreme inequality that threatens liberal democracy. Deals in the financial secrecy system account for half of… Continue reading Invisible Trillions — global capitalism operates beyond the rule of law and threatens democracy
Corruption has long been a scourge in parts of Latin America. Traditionally, it has funnelled down domestic routes, with local politicians, business interests and drug lords benefiting from graft and dodgy dealings. Indeed, a 2022 report from Transparency International found that 27 out of 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have shown… Continue reading How China uses ‘geostrategic corruption’ to exert its influence in Latin America
Albania may be struggling with high levels of corruption at all levels of society, but the country is taking a new approach to tackling this crime with the introduction of a special anti-corruption body, known as the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). SPAK is made up of a special prosecution office, the National Bureau of Investigation… Continue reading Albania — how one of the most corrupt countries in Europe is tackling crime at the highest level
In the world championship of corruption, the competition is fierce. The non-governmental organisation (NGO) Transparency International has just published its list of countries according to the level of perceived corruption. The gold medal in the competition for the most corrupt country has just been awarded to South Sudan, followed by Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, Yemen, Libya,… Continue reading Corruption and war — two scourges that feed off each other
A Saudi court’s decision to sentence fitness influencer Manahel al-Otaibi to 11 years in prison highlights what activists describe as a fierce crackdown on even vaguely critical online speech. In the past two years the Saudi judiciary has “convicted and handed down lengthy prison terms on dozens of individuals for their expression on social media”,… Continue reading Tweets or “terrorism”? — Saudi Arabia’s jailed online activists
Dozens of people in northern Italy have raised their arms in the fascist salute to honour Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution. Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honour Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary… Continue reading Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini’s execution
