The first edition of Corruption and Government is a classic, and this extensively rewritten second edition should become one as well. Political and economic institutions create incentives for corruption, and the book shows how these can be reduced by thoughtful reform. It draws on case studies and statistical research from developing and wealthy states.

The second edition of Corruption and Government updates Susan Rose-Ackerman's 1999 book to address emerging issues and to rethink old questions in light of new data. The book analyzes the research explosion that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall, the founding of Transparency International, and the World Bank's decision to give anti-corruption policy a key place on its agenda. Time has vindicated Rose-Ackerman's emphasis on institutional reform as the necessary condition for serious progress. The book deals with routine payoffs and with corruption in contracting and privatization. It gives special attention to political corruption and to instruments of accountability. The authors have expanded the treatment of culture as a source of entrenched corruption and added chapters on criminal law, organized crime, and post-conflict societies. The book outlines domestic conditions for reform and discusses international initiatives - including both explicit anti-corruption policies and efforts to constrain money laundering.

Advance praise: 'This revised and expanded edition is a further great contribution to the fight against corruption in all its forms. While the authors observe on the substantial progress that has been made, they acknowledge the difficulties in achieving a comprehensive global agreement, when national interests and values differ. Let us all hope that legislators and leaders throughout the world will recognize the common benefits of adopting the actions here recommended.' James D. Wolfensohn, former President, World Bank Group