Don’t Forget, We’re Hiring
This Friday August 6th is the last day to apply for our open project manager position. Please see our previous announcement for all of the details, including how to apply online. — Global Integrity
Beating the Labeling Problem, Redux. What Do You Think?
For those of you familiar with our Users’ Guide to Measuring Corruption, you may recall our reference to the “labeling problem” in the context of a broader discussion of the difficulties in creating data to measure issues such as corruption and governance given the lack of precision around what concepts are actually being measured (p.…
Will Fiji’s June Media Decree Catch Up with its Reputation?
Early this year, I spoke with journalist Shailendra Singh, on the effects that the 2006 coup d’etat in Fiji had on media freedoms there. In our online exchange, Singh highlighted the perseverance of his colleagues– many Fijian journalists publish anonymously through online outlets and regional blogs to escape the overt government pressure on publishing. Fiji…
Progressive Taxes Turned Regressive: Depraved Tax Collection in Pakistan
Often overlooked, Pakistan’s income tax collection could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic and political development by empowering the central government and reducing its need for foreign aid. A rare New York Times article on Pakistan– focusing on something other than the United States’ fight with the Taliban and Al Qaeda– turned…
Slovakia: Post-Communist Trompe L’Oeil?
Last month’s parliamentary elections in Slovakia signaled the country’s ongoing normalization and integration into the European fold since its formal accession into the EU more than six years ago. This last election was not marred by intimidation and irregularities that so often have accompanied countries transitioning into democracy. Indeed like many new member states from…
Why France’s Woes Over Money in Politics are Unsurprising
The political financing scandal that has rocked the French government in recent weeks does little to dispel the notion that France suffers from “rotten politics.” Although President Sarkozy continues to deny the allegations that he and his party took illicit cash contributions from a wealthy conservative benefactor, critics have already started to deride his government…