The latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by the anti-corruption organization Transparency International shows that the United States has dropped to 29th place out of 182 countries and regions, marking the lowest ranking since the index was established in 1995 and revised in 2012, tying with the Bahamas, behind Lithuania, Barbados, and Uruguay. The U.S. overall score has fallen to 64 points (out of 100), also a new low, continuing a downward trend over the past decade. The CPI is based on assessments of public sector corruption by independent experts and business people. Transparency International pointed out that the U.S. ranking fell again in the past year, partly due to weakened federal government anti-corruption capabilities, 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, the weakening of institutional checks and balances and the use of government tools against "political opponents" have further exacerbated concerns.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856810897982665/
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