Corruption Continues to Hinder Progress in Azerbaijan, Transparency International Reports

Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has once again highlighted the persistent challenge of corruption worldwide, underscoring its damaging impact on governance, economic growth, and climate action. The CPI, which evaluates 180 countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, assigns each a score from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The latest report reveals little overall improvement, with the global average score stagnating at 43. Over two-thirds of countries continue to score below 50, indicating that corruption remains a significant and unresolved global issue.

Azerbaijan’s performance in the 2024 CPI remains a cause for concern. The country received a score of 23 out of 100, placing it 154th among 180 nations—one of the lowest rankings in the region. This position underscores Azerbaijan’s ongoing struggle with entrenched corruption in public institutions, law enforcement, and the judiciary. Despite government pledges to curb corrupt practices, the country has shown no significant improvement in recent years, reinforcing concerns that systemic issues are impeding progress toward transparency and accountability.

The Climate Crisis and Corruption’s Hidden Costs

One of the report’s most striking conclusions is the deep connection between corruption and climate change. Transparency International warns that corruption is a major threat to effective climate action, as funds allocated for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing adaptation measures are frequently misused or siphoned off. In Azerbaijan, where oil and gas revenues dominate the economy, concerns about financial mismanagement in climate-related projects are mounting.

Undue political influence, opaque decision-making, and weak oversight mechanisms contribute to environmental degradation. The CPI report highlights how corruption allows businesses and politically connected elites to bypass environmental regulations, accelerating deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable energy practices. Experts argue that without stronger anti-corruption safeguards, Azerbaijan’s ability to transition toward a greener economy and fulfill its climate commitments will be severely compromised.

Regional Trends: The Struggle Against Authoritarianism

Across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Transparency International’s findings point to a broader crisis of governance. The report describes an alarming trend of rising authoritarianism, weak rule of law, and the erosion of independent institutions—conditions that enable corruption to flourish.

Azerbaijan fits squarely within this pattern. The country has faced increasing scrutiny from international watchdogs for its suppression of civil liberties, lack of judicial independence, and tight control over political opposition. These factors contribute to a climate in which corruption is not only tolerated but often incentivized.

“Without democratic checks and balances, it’s difficult to hold corrupt actors accountable,” said a regional analyst who asked to remain anonymous due to concerns about government retaliation. “The result is a system where corruption becomes the cost of doing business, and reform efforts are undermined from within.”

The Path Forward: Can Reform Take Hold?

Efforts to combat corruption in Azerbaijan have been met with skepticism, as previous reform initiatives have failed to yield meaningful results. Transparency advocates argue that genuine change requires more than just legislative adjustments—it demands a transformation in governance culture.

Some steps, such as digitalization efforts in public services, have been touted as a means to reduce bureaucratic corruption. However, critics point out that these measures do little to address high-level graft or the political interference that shields powerful elites from scrutiny.

For Azerbaijan to move up the CPI rankings and foster a more transparent system, experts suggest that the country must strengthen its judicial independence, enforce anti-corruption laws more rigorously, and create space for civil society organizations to operate freely.

“Azerbaijan has the potential to build a more accountable government, but only if there is the political will to tackle corruption at all levels,” said an anti-corruption expert in Baku. “Otherwise, the country risks falling further behind, not just in governance but in economic and environmental sustainability as well.”

As Transparency International’s latest findings reveal, corruption remains a formidable challenge for Azerbaijan, with consequences extending far beyond politics. Whether the country’s leadership will take decisive action to address the issue remains an open question—one with significant implications for its future development and stability.