Planet Money The U.S. is the world's bribery cop. Is that about to change?
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Jun 20, 2025 The U.S. has long led the global fight against bribery, but recent policy shifts may change that. The case of Glencore reveals how cash bribes influenced contracts in South Sudan. Discussions touch on the origins of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and its role in regulating corporate ethics. The podcast also dives into the history of anti-bribery treaties and how some companies have exploited lax laws in countries like Switzerland. With changing enforcement, what does the future hold for American businesses in the international arena?
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Glencore's Bribery in South Sudan
- Glencore bribed officials in South Sudan by flying $800,000 in cash shortly after its independence.
- This was just one example of many bribes Glencore paid globally to secure lucrative contracts.
The Origins of the FCPA
- The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 made the U.S. the first country to prohibit companies from bribing foreign officials.
- Initially, enforcement was rare, but it became vital as bribery was seen to harm global competition and government integrity.
Bribes Backfire for Business
- Bribery is harmful because it enriches corrupt elites and raises business costs, creating more red tape instead of reducing it.
- Paying bribes often invites more government interference, as officials see it as a new revenue stream.
