151. Bonnie Palifka on Measuring Progress in Anti-Corruption and Its Evolving Challenges

In this episode of KickBack, host Robert Barrington is joined by Professor Bonnie Palifka, Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Tecnológico de Monterrey, to discuss corruption research, measurement, and the evolving challenges facing anti-corruption efforts. The conversation explores Palifka’s journey into the field of corruption studies, from her early personal experience with bribery and extortion to her academic work applying economic theory and data analysis to better understand corruption. Additional themes include Palifka’s research on measuring progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.5, as well as reflections on the relationship between corruption and organized crime, including how weak governance can create opportunities for criminal groups to expand their influence. The episode concludes with Palifka’s recommendations for teaching future generations about corruption, economics, measurement, and the links between corruption, organized crime, and money laundering. Links to discussed publications: Palifka, B.J., Rodriguez-Garcia, G. and Garcia-Diaz, R., 2026. “To Substantially Reduce Bribery and Corruption in all Their Forms”: A Multidimensional Index of Progress on Sustainable Development Goal 16.5. Social Indicators Research, 182(1), p.17.