In the quiet cadence of global rankings, where scores and standings are often swept past like passing weather, a fresh report has cast a reflective light on democracy’s perceived health. It’s a moment that invites pause, much like noticing cracks in an old, familiar path — subtle at first, but telling in their persistence.
The United States, long regarded as a leading example in measures of transparency and integrity, has slipped to its lowest ever position in a widely watched international corruption index. In the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by anti-graft watchdog Transparency International, the U.S. slid to 29th place out of 182 countries, scoring 64 on the 0–100 scale, where higher figures suggest cleaner public sectors and lower values indicate greater perceived corruption.
For many observers, this is more than a number on a page. The index draws on expert assessments and surveys of businesspeople to gauge how the public sector is perceived in terms of integrity, accountability and freedom from undue influence. It has become a common reference point for governments and analysts alike as they consider trends in governance and democratic health.
The downward movement in the U.S. ranking continues a trend that has unfolded over the past decade. Once comfortably positioned among the less-corrupt countries, America now finds itself ranked behind several democracies with historically high CPI standings. Countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and various European nations scored higher, highlighting a broader pattern of erosion in perception among established democracies.
The report’s authors highlight several factors contributing to the shift: the weakening of key oversight mechanisms, the politicization of prosecutorial decision-making, and actions that critics say have undermined judicial independence and curtailed independent voices in civil society. These dynamics are cited as concerns not just for the U.S. but for democracies globally, many of which experienced slipping scores in 2025.
Across the world, the overall average CPI score also hit its lowest level in more than a decade, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50, reflecting what Transparency International describes as a “worrying trend” in governance.
Yet the numbers also carry a subtle reminder: perceptions are not immutable realities, but reflections of complex social, political and institutional interactions. They point to areas where confidence can be strengthened through transparent practices, robust legal frameworks, and accountability at all levels of government.
In reporting these findings, the broader context of global governance and democratic responsiveness remains at the forefront of international discourse. For now, the United States’ position in the index signals a moment of introspection as policymakers, civil society and citizens alike consider the paths forward in defending and revitalizing public trust.
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SOURCES Reuters Transparency International Associated Press Forbes UPI