Sustainable development goals and corruption: An international situation analysis through the application of a three-way multivariate analysis

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to examine the impact of corruption on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in different countries. To achieve this, the study utilizes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), one of the most widely recognized indicators of corruption. Additionally, the SDG Index is used to evaluate each country’s overall progress toward the 17 SDGs, with scores ranging from 0, representing the worst possible outcome, to 100, indicating achievement of the targets. In this work, the Tucker method has been applied, which has not previously been used in studies on SDGs and corruption and thus provides some novelty to the present research. This method has allowed us to analyze the relationship between the CPI and SDGs. The results obtained show that the lower the level of corruption in a country, the better SDGs are achieved. Thus, it has been observed that CPI scores are closely related to the achievement of goals related to Gender Equality (SDG5), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG16), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG10). This means our findings are extremely useful for enabling governments and institutions to roll out more effective policies and encourage investment for achieving the SDGs related to their region and the pressing need to combat corruption. As a conclusion, this study demonstrates that lower levels of corruption, particularly in Europe and North America, are strongly associated with progress toward SDGs related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In contrast, high levels of corruption in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia significantly hinder the achievement of key SDGs, particularly those concerning Decent Work and Economic Growth, as well as Climate Action.