The election of Donald Trump as US President is only the most striking example a populist wave that swept mainstream politics and established democracies in 2016. The ascendancy of populist and nationalist elements presents a number of challenges to the anti-corruption movement. Firstly, these elements cloak themselves in anti-corruption language, indiscriminately targeting ‘corrupt elites’. Secondly, populist discourse often sets itself against institutions and values – such as the rule of law – that are necessary defenses against corruption. Once in power, they systematically dismantle these institutions.
How should the anti-corruption movement respond? What kind of coalitions can we build today and who can be the actors? How can we prevent legitimate anti-corruption discourse and goals from being debased?
Executive Director, Global Investigative Journalism Network
David E. Kaplan is executive director of Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), the international association of investigative reporting organizations, with 155 member groups in 68 countries. He has worked as an investigative journalist for more than 30 years, reported from... Read More →
