USForeignCorruptPracticesAct

US foreign corruption refers to the United States' policies and enforcement actions aimed at preventing corruption in cross-border business, government, and aid. The central legal framework is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977, which prohibits U.S. persons and businesses from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business and requires accurate books and internal controls. The FCPA has extraterritorial reach and is enforced by federal prosecutors and the SEC.

Enforcement has increased since the 1990s, with penalties, disgorgement, and compliance obligations through settlements. Notable outcomes include strengthened corporate compliance programs and internal controls, risk assessments, and anti-bribery training.

The U.S. participates in international anti-corruption efforts, including the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and the UN Convention against Corruption. U.S. foreign aid and diplomacy often incorporate anti-corruption conditions and governance benchmarks to improve transparency and accountability in recipient countries.

Critics note enforcement challenges, jurisdictional complexities, and the risk of uneven application across sectors. Proponents argue that strong anti-corruption measures create a level playing field for businesses and support good governance.

Overall, U.S. foreign corruption policy balances law enforcement with diplomatic and development objectives, aiming to deter bribery, promote transparency, and uphold the rule of law in international relations.