COMMENTARY
I get quite mad when I see these studies since they add nothing to what has been known for decades. What we need to know is why it is that corruption stays at such high levels and none of the tools available seem to be effective.

The conclusion is very simple ... those in power who are in control want the corruption to stay exactly as it is. Ordinary people are constrained from doing much that is constructive. Rule of law seems to make little difference.
Peter Burgess

Corruption and development ... Corrosive corruption

A correlation between corruption and development

THE use of public office for private gain benefits a powerful few while imposing costs on large swathes of society. Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index, published on December 1st, measures the perceived levels of public-sector graft by aggregating independent surveys from across the globe. Just five non-OECD countries make the top 25: Singapore, Hong Kong, Barbados, Bahamas and Qatar. The bottom is formed mainly of failed states, poor African countries and nations that either were once communist (Turkmenistan) or are still run along similar lines (Venezuela, Cuba). Comparing the corruption index with the UN's Human Development Index (a measure combining health, wealth and education), demonstrates an interesting connection. When the corruption index is between approximately 2.0 and 4.0 there appears to be little relationship with the human development index, but as it rises beyond 4.0 a stronger connection can be seen. Outliers include small but well-run poorer countries such as Bhutan and Cape Verde, while Greece and Italy stand out among the richer countries.