According to the latest "Corruption Perceptions Index" (CPI) released by the anti-corruption organization Transparency International, the United States has dropped to 29th place among 182 countries and regions, marking its lowest ranking since the index was established in 1995 and reformed in 2012. It is tied with the Bahamas, falling behind Lithuania, Barbados, and Uruguay. The U.S. overall score has dropped to 64 points (out of 100), also a new low, continuing a downward trend over the past decade. The CPI is based on assessments by independent experts and business people regarding perceptions of public sector corruption. Transparency International pointed out that the U.S. ranking fell again in the past year, partly due to the weakening of the federal government's anti-corruption capacity, including the suspension of investigations into corporate overseas bribery, and stricter enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The organization also warned that after Trump returned to the White House, his actions of weakening institutional checks and balances and using government tools against "political opponents" have further exacerbated concerns.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856810835368969/
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