Lessons Learned? Evaluating Past US Anti-Corruption Policy Responses to the Challenges of Securing US Arms Exports to Ukraine Today

This Guest Essay by Jodi Vittori is Part Two in my Ukraine Corruption Series

Jodi Vittori is the Global Politics and Security Concentration Co-Chair at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and a non-resident fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  She is a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and also formerly worked for the anti-corruption civil society organizations Transparency International and Global Witness.

In recent discussions about US support for Ukraine, the specter of corruption has frequently emerged as a point of contention. Critics argue that this historical struggle with corruption might undermine the effectiveness of aid, including vital arms exports. However, it's crucial to recognize that Ukraine has not stood still in the face of these challenges. On the contrary, it has embarked on significant anti-corruption reforms, demonstrating a commitment to change that is often overlooked in the broader debate.

Despite these strides towards transparency and accountability, Ukraine's journey is not yet complet…