Basel Institute newsletter - May 2025
The newsletter covers highlights at the Basel Institute in April 2025. It also features our latest news, blogs and other publications.
Not yet a subscriber? Sign up here.
Five Ukrainian anti-corruption practitioners certified as national trainers
Five practitioners from Ukraine’s leading anti-corruption institutions have been certified as national trainers in financial investigations and asset recovery following their successful completion of the Train-the-Trainer programme of our International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR).
How informal power networks can instrumentalise anti-corruption institutions
In many countries with high levels of corruption, there is also a strong demand for government to do something about it. With the right conditions, that can fuel solid political commitments. We’ve seen, however, that even in cases where governments do all the right things on paper – strengthen legal frameworks, establish dedicated anti-corruption agencies, etc. – there's a gap between what they promise and what happens in practice.
Announcing the winners of the 2025 Anti-Corruption Collective Action Awards
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Anti-Corruption Collective Action Awards, presented by the Basel Institute on Governance with the support of the Siemens Integrity Initiative.
The awards were announced on 4 June 2025 in a video on social media from Elizabeth Andersen, the Basel Institute’s Executive Director.
Companies’ assessments of anti-corruption compliance
In the last decade, companies around the globe have significantly invested in the development of anti-corruption compliance programmes. Assessing the effectiveness of these programmes has proven challenging and requires that companies go beyond a box-checking approach, set clear objectives, measure progress and impact and foster a culture of integrity.
How connecting anti-corruption and human rights can help both victims and businesses
A joint blog by Naomi Roht-Arriaza, Distinguished Professor of Law (emerita), University of California Law, and Lucie Binder, Senior Specialist, Governance and Integrity, Basel Institute on Governance.
Who are the real victims of corruption?
Traditionally, the answer has been “the state.” This stems from the fact that corruption typically involves the misuse of public office and the theft or diversion of public funds. In this legal framework, the state prosecutes the crime, claims the damage and receives any recovered assets.
The Sociology of Corruption: Patterns of Illegal Association in Hungary
Join us for an engaging in-person discussion with sociologist and Fulbright US Scholar David Jancsics, as he presents his latest book, Sociology of Corruption: Patterns of Illegal Association in Hungary, published by Cornell University Press.
David will share his innovative approach to understanding corruption, focusing on social status, networks and power dynamics rather than individual morality.
Key questions will be explored:
Bridging the gap: How behavioural science can strengthen anti-corruption and crime prevention
This article by Claudia Baez Camargo offers valuable insights into how behavioural science can inform more effective anti-corruption strategies and crime prevention efforts. By shedding light on key behavioural drivers and practical approaches, the piece provides a strong foundation for those seeking to better understand how human behaviour can be positively influenced to promote integrity and reduce crime.
Why ethical business and behaviour are key to resilience in volatile times
With increasing geopolitical and regulatory volatility, the need for companies to develop resilience to market shocks and uncertain conditions is critical. One of the most effective ways to do this is by embedding strong compliance programmes into their operations that not only ensure adherence to laws and regulations, but also support positive, ethical work environments.