In recent years, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have demonstrated notable progress in combating corruption, as highlighted by Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024. This advancement is particularly significant in a region where corruption has historically been deeply entrenched.
Armenia’s Steady Progress
Armenia has seen a commendable rise in its CPI score, moving from 35 in 2015 to 47 in 2024, positioning it as the second-cleanest state in the region after Georgia. This improvement reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and reduce graft. However, experts like Varuzhan Hoktanyan, Project Manager at Transparency International Armenia, caution that while initial strides were significant post-2018, there has been stagnation in recent years. Hoktanyan emphasizes the need for a systemic approach and genuine political will to sustain and further these anti-corruption measures.
Kazakhstan’s Incremental Gains
Kazakhstan has also progressed, with its CPI score increasing from 29 in 2016 to 40 in 2024. This improvement is attributed to comprehensive anti-corruption measures and increased civic engagement, especially following significant public unrest in January 2022. The government’s response included implementing reforms and asset recovery measures. Despite these efforts, Kazakhstan remains in the category of nations with high levels of corruption, indicating that while progress has been made, substantial challenges persist.
Uzbekistan’s Notable Improvements
Uzbekistan, once ranked near the bottom of the CPI, has shown remarkable progress, with its score rising from 19 in 2015 to 32 in 2024. This upward trajectory results from several key reforms, including establishing an anti-corruption agency, legislative strengthening, and economic liberalization. The government has also introduced stronger internal controls and audit tools across various ministries and local government offices. These initiatives have led to criminal charges against numerous corrupt officials, signaling a commitment to addressing systemic corruption.
Regional Context and Challenges
While these three nations have made significant strides, the broader Eurasian region continues to grapple with pervasive corruption. The CPI 2024 indicates that over two-thirds of the 180 countries surveyed scored below 50, suggesting serious corruption issues. Transparency International highlights that corruption undermines governance structures, weakens law enforcement, and diverts critical resources, including those intended for climate action. In countries where corruption is rampant, transparency in environmental decision-making is often compromised, leading to adverse outcomes for natural resources and public trust.
The Road Ahead
The progress in Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan serves as an encouraging example for other nations in the region. However, sustaining and building upon these gains requires continuous effort, robust political will, and systemic reforms. Addressing deep-seated corruption is a complex and long-term endeavor, necessitating collaboration between governments, civil society, and international organizations. As these countries continue their anti-corruption journeys, their experiences offer valuable lessons on the challenges and successes inherent in combating graft in post-Soviet states.
In conclusion, while the battle against corruption in Eurasia is far from over, the advancements made by Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan provide a beacon of hope. Their experiences underscore the importance of sustained reforms, active civic engagement, and unwavering political commitment in the quest for transparency and integrity.