Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, second from right, ran the investigation that led to former President Donald Trump’s indictment.
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
Both sweeping immunity and overzealous prosecutions of former leaders can undermine democracy. But such prosecutions pose different risks for older democracies like the US than in younger ones.
The Conservative MP has resigned after a chaotic 24 hours and a deeply controversial parliamentary vote.
Adoring fans celebrated Brazilian ex-President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva before he began a prison sentence for corruption in 2018. Lula’s conviction was recently annulled.
Miguel Schincariol/AFP via Getty Images)
From Europe to Latin America and the US, former world leaders are being investigated, tried and even jailed. In theory, this shows no one is above the law. But presidents and PMs aren’t just anyone.
During the first debate, Trump accused Biden of corruption.
Olivier Douliery/Pool via AP
Millions of people gave money to Biden, Trump or both. What they get – or not – for their donations points to the real problems with America’s system of campaign finance.
In some countries, politicians are routinely exposed for having lied about their academic achievement.
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Several world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, stand accused of plagiarizing their PhD dissertations. Whether they resign, deny or ignore the allegations says a lot about the country they run.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador on the trail.
EPA/David Guzman
The Chinese Communist Party has disciplined more than a million officials since Xi took power in 2012. What is going on?
Land rezoning, sales, and planning approvals are just a few of the ways ‘grey gifts’ can decide who benefits from government decisions.
Dean Lewins/AAP
William Isdale speaks with The University of Queensland's Cameron Murray about the nature of 'grey gifts', soft corruption, and who stands to win (and lose) when these deals are made.
The world’s media, which has in the past found Zambia uninteresting, are suddenly paying more attention to the impoverished nation, for all the wrong reasons.
With the likes of Pablo Iglesias and Ada Colau coming to power in Spain, we are witnessing the rise of the ‘post-representatives’.
Barcelona En Comú/flickr
Spain has been transformed into a democratic laboratory, where the participation and use of new communication strategies are ready for experimentation and innovation.
The Greens have renewed calls for a federal body to investigate corruption in politics.
AAP/Lukas Coch
A federal ICAC will not solve the sorts of problems Australian politicians have recently embroiled themselves in.
South Korean protesters holding candles at a demonstration calling for President Park Geun-hye to step down in Seoul on November 26.
Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
After weeks of mass demonstrations and a growing threat of impeachment, President Park Geun-Hye has said she is willing to resign before her term ends in February 2018.
Nelson Mandela laughs with journalists and performers ahead of the second 46664 concert in the Western Cape in 2005.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
When celebrating Nelson Mandela Day, it would benefit South Africans to reflect on what the statesman’s legacy means for the nation and how they are living up to his dreams for the country.
Australia’s two major political parties are highly dependent on contributions from business by the standards of other rich democracies.
AAP/Lukas Coch
Brazilians are disgusted with all their politicians. Can anyone take control?
Heads of state at an African Union session in Addis Ababa. They have signed up to a plan that envisages strengthening institutions and governance.
EPA/Solan Kolli
If the governing ANC ignores the calls for Zuma’s resignation,it may undermine South Africa’s leadership on the continent. It creates the idea that he can undermine the constitution with impunity.
Brazil is reeling from the political corruption scandal involving former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (pictured on the fake bills) and members of the current government.
Reuters
The headlines are full of stories of corruption and mega scandals, but what does it mean for the rest of us? And what makes the economic cost of corruption so high?
High-rise buildings amid shacks in Luanda. President Dos Santo has announced plans to retire amid growing unease among Angolans over deepening poverty despite a recent oil boom.
Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko
Angola’s Dos Santos is buying time. His promise to step down is an attempt to diffuse growing political tensions, as repression continues. He might relinquish his position, but not his power.