United States Strategy on Countering Corruption

The “United States Strategy on Countering Corruption” is a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach released by the Biden-Harris Administration in December 2021. It is the first-ever strategy of its kind and elevates the fight against corruption as a core U.S. national security interest.

The document outlines a plan to work domestically and internationally to prevent, limit, and respond to corruption and related crimes.

The strategy is organized around five mutually reinforcing pillars:

1. Modernizing, Coordinating, and Resourcing U.S. Government Efforts to Better Fight Corruption: Focuses on improving information sharing, coordinating efforts across agencies, and dedicating sufficient resources to anti-corruption work.
2. Curbing Illicit Finance: Aims to address deficiencies in the U.S. and international financial systems that corrupt actors exploit, including increasing transparency regarding the beneficial ownership of shell companies.
3. Holding Corrupt Actors Accountable: Enhances enforcement efforts and develops new tools to hold corrupt individuals and entities accountable, including through sanctions and asset recovery.
4. Preserving and Strengthening the Multilateral Anti-Corruption Architecture: Commits the U.S. to working with international partners and multilateral organizations to bolster existing anti-corruption frameworks and institutions.
5. Improving Diplomatic Engagement and Leveraging Foreign Assistance Resources to Advance Policy Goals: Seeks to prioritize anti-corruption in diplomatic engagement and foreign aid, ensuring that U.S. assistance supports transparency and accountability.