In this gripping episode of "Corruption Talks," host Fernando Forattini is joined by Declan Hill, a distinguished investigative journalist and academic known for his expertise in match fixing, gambling, and sports corruption. This episode explores the dangerous liaisons between major sports, television networks, and gambling sites, and how these relationships foster a culture prone to bribery and corruption. We also delve into philosophical and technical discussions on crime prevention and law enforcement, highlighting the influence of organized crime in sports gambling. Tune in for a fun and profound exploration of these critical issues, and join us as we dissect the layers of corruption infiltrating the world of sports.

If you got interested, don't forget to check out his seminal book, "The Fix"!

Welcome to "Corruption Talks!", a podcast where we uncover and dissect the many faces of corruption and its impact on society. I'm your host Fernando Forattini, and in today’s episode, we delve into the often-overlooked yet critical issue of sextortion. Joining me is Rob Gillanders, an expert in economics and co-director of the DCU Anti-Corruption Research Centre. Together, we will explore how sextortion not only infringes on individual rights but also poses significant obstacles to entrepreneurship and equitable access to government services. We'll discuss the urgent need for comprehensive anti-corruption strategies that address this insidious form of corruption. Stay tuned as we unravel the complexities of sextortion and its far-reaching implications.

In this episode we talk to Prof. José Atiles Osoria from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prof. Atiles Osoria presents a nuanced analysis of corruption and anti-corruption policies in Puerto Rico amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He argues that these policies, rather than mitigating corruption, have exacerbated both corrupt practices and social inequalities. Drawing on historical antecedents rooted in U.S. colonization, he shows how these policies operate within a complex framework of external impositions, complicating Puerto Rico's efforts to combat not only corruption but also pressing emergencies like COVID-19. Furthermore, we explore the paradoxical role of technology, which, instead of curtailing corruption, has facilitated the rise of corrupt industries under the guise of fighting corruption. This episode offers an in-depth look at the challenges of corruption and social inequality, embedded in a larger historical and technological context.

In this session of "Corruption Talks," we're joined by a distinguished figure in the realm of corruption research, Prof. Dr. Elizabeth David-Barrett. Together, we discussed the imperative of reassessing our corruption measurement tools. Addressing both the merits and limitations of these techniques, we underscore the importance of embracing more tailored, in-depth approaches. Throughout, we remain keenly aware of the broader societal repercussions, shedding light on the uneven distribution of narratives across different social classes and power hierarchies.

In this episode of "Corruption Talks," Fernando Forattini, today joined by Sneha Annavarapu as a co-host, engage with Dr. Malini Ranganathan to discuss her new book Corruption Plots and the intricate dimensions of corruption and anti-corruption discourse and policies. Moving beyond superficial understandings, the discussion explores corruption's intersections with class, culture, and politics. This episode also aims to bridge the gap between academic insights and practical anti-corruption efforts, offering fresh perspectives that enrich both current and emerging studies and initiatives. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that promises to elevate the anti-corruption discourse to new levels of nuance and effectiveness.

It is important to highlight that despite important progress in anti-corruption policies, especially since the 1990s, there is a growing concern regarding their inherent flaws—both theoretically and in practice. This has been increasingly acknowledged by academics, members of the judiciary, human rights advocates, politicians, and international organizations such as the United Nations and manifests as a pressing issue that anti-corruption training centers, international organizations, and nation-states must confront and adapt to if they want anti-corruption fight to advance.

In this episode, we are joined by Alexey Konov, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in anti-corruption initiatives. Alexey played a crucial role in the drafting of legislation and anti-corruption guidelines in Russia for over 20 years. His expertise extends to the management and delivery of academic programs, the development of online resources and ICT tools, as well as providing specialized advice to governments and international organizations like the UN, G20, APEC, and BRICS. Together, we talk about the complexities and contradictions embedded within anti-corruption efforts and explore potential avenues for more effective implementation.

Explore the fascinating world of anti-corruption studies in Anthropology with Professor Steven Sampson from Lund University. In this episode, we uncover the challenges and advantages faced by anthropologists in their research on corruption and anti-corruption. Join us as we discuss the birth of an anti-corruption industry and its differences from the anti-corruption movement. How to tackle this huge concept that is corruption and much more. Let's get to it.

🎙️In this episode we have the honor of hosting a true luminary in the field, Professor Susan Rose-Ackerman. Join us as we embark on a deep dive into her research, tracing the global framework of anti-corruption efforts, and exploring the challenges that lie in the path of creating a more transparent and accountable world.

As a renowned scholar hailing from Yale University, Professor Susan Rose-Ackerman has dedicated her career to understanding and combating corruption. Her groundbreaking research has challenged prevailing theories and offered comprehensive solutions, leaving an indelible mark on the academic and political discourse surrounding corruption. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore the evolution of Professor Rose-Ackerman's work and its profound impact on academia and global politics. We delve into the historical development of the anti-corruption global framework, examining the key milestones that have shaped its trajectory. From its nascent stages to the present, we uncover the transformative shifts that have occurred and discuss the driving forces behind its emergence.

But the battle against corruption is far from simple. Throughout the episode, we shine a light on the challenges that anti-corruption policies and activism face in today's complex world. Professor Rose-Ackerman shares her insights into the hurdles encountered and offers invaluable perspectives on overcoming these obstacles. From navigating cultural nuances to addressing systemic issues, we explore the multifaceted nature of corruption and the strategies needed to combat it effectively.

One key highlight of our conversation is the exploration of Professor Rose-Ackerman's groundbreaking research that delves into the intricate interplay between culture, morality, economics, and democratic institutions. We unravel the universal aspects of corruption while acknowledging the diverse ways it manifests in different countries and contexts. Central to her work is the recognition of self-interest as a common driving force behind corruption, prompting a deeper understanding of how incentives can be harnessed to foster integrity and discourage corrupt practices.

Furthermore, we delve into the delicate balance between countering corruption and preserving democratic values and due process of law. Professor Rose-Ackerman provides insights on the dangers of an excessive focus on arrests and repressive measures, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies that incentivize transparency and accountability. By striking this balance, we can effectively address corruption without compromising the principles that underpin democratic societies.

As we examine the challenges of implementing and sustaining anti-corruption reforms, we uncover the role of organizational arrangements, strong leadership, and political coalitions in driving transformative change. We acknowledge the non-linear nature of reform trajectories and discuss the mixed evidence on the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of anti-corruption initiatives. Through this exploration, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved and identify potential avenues for progress.

Don't miss this engaging episode of "Corruption Talks!," where Professor Susan Rose-Ackerman takes us on a journey through her remarkable research, tracing the global anti-corruption framework, and shedding light on the challenges that lie ahead. Join us as we uncover insights, strategies, and solutions in the fight against corruption, and together, let's build a more transparent and accountable world.