Strategic Corruption: Conceptualizing the Geostrategic Dimensions of Transnational Corruption

Abstract This article serves as an introduction to the special issue of the Public Integrity Journal dedicated to strategic corruption. The authors introduce the concept of strategic corruption, understanding it as a conceptualization of the geostrategic dimensions of transnational corruption that aims to achieve subversion of the political and economic processes of a country. Before presenting each of the contributions to the special issue, the authors introduce the epistemic development and the interdisciplinary potential of the concept, delineating it from similar concepts of hybrid warfare, corrosive capital, and foreign interference. The authors recognize the limitations and the critique offered against such conceptualization, as well as the turnaround of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration that has sought to reverse the practical approaches underlying the measures to combat transnational corruption adopted under the 2021 U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption. However, the authors advocate the view that the strategic approach to transnational corruption has been vindicated precisely by the measures that the Trump administration adopted in 2025; the dilution of the U.S. anti-corruption approach which may produce global ramifications. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This article introduces a group of articles focused on “strategic corruption” in the journal Public Integrity. The authors explain that strategic corruption is when countries use corruption as a tool to influence or undermine the politics and economy of other countries, not just for personal gain but to achieve bigger national goals. This kind of corruption is often planned, long-term, and involves networks that cross borders. It can include things like bribing politicians, funding political movements, or using business deals to gain control over important resources in another country. The authors also discuss how the idea of strategic corruption is different from related terms like “hybrid warfare” or “foreign interference.” They point out that, while some people criticize this concept, it is useful for understanding how some governments use corruption as a weapon in international relations. The paper notes that U.S. policy on fighting corruption changed under President Trump. The Trump administration paused enforcement of some of the key anti-corruption laws, arguing that these laws hurt American businesses competing abroad. The authors argue that this shift could weaken global efforts to fight corruption and may have serious consequences for international security and democracy. In summary, the paper says that understanding and addressing strategic corruption is important because it is a growing threat to fair politics and global stability