How corrupt is the West? Europe and North America's formal self-perception is one of high standards in public life. And yet, corruption is receiving ever greater attention in the European, American and Canadian press, with high-profile cases affecting both the corporate and political worlds. This book identifies the driving forces behind such cases, particularly the role of political finance, lobbying, the banking system and organised crime. It analyses the sectors which are particularly prone to corruption, including sport, defence and pharmaceuticals. In the course of their investigation, the authors consider why anti-corruption legislation has not been more effective and why there is an increasing discrepancy between regulation and commercial and cultural practice. Are Europe and the US genuinely serious about fighting corruption and if so what measures will be taken to roll it back?

Laurence Cockcroft is a DevelopmentEconomist and Founder of TransparencyInternational, the global civil societyorganization against corruption, and wasformerly Chairman of its UK chapter. Heis the author of Global Corruption: Money,Power and Ethics in the Modern Worldand Africa's Way: A Journey from the Past(both I.B.Tauris). Anne- Christine Wegener is a political scientist and anti-corruption analyst based in Frankfurt. She was previously deputy director and programme manager at Transparency International UK, focusing on defence and security.