Anti-corruption hurts poor countries

Developing countries will suffer as a result of the corruption allegations around Paul Wolfowitz. The World Bank president (and former US defence secretary) is accused of helping his partner win promotion and a pay rise. Critics accuse Wolfowitz of hypocrisy because he has led an anti-corruption drive against third world nations (following on from his predecessor, James Wolfensohn). But such charges only strengthen the pernicious hand of anti-corruption.

There are several reasons to object to anti-corruption. It strengthens Western interference in the affairs of poorer countries. It distracts from the need to find ways to promote economic development. And it encourages a corrosive climate of distrust.