Combating corruption: The development of whistleblowing laws in the United States, Europe, and Armenia

Abstract

Corruption is a persistent problem that plagues the world. It knows no borders. It is a problem facing post-communist countries as they transition to democracies and market economies, as well as established democracies and other regimes. While the causes of corruption are varied, the tools often suggested to combat corruption include expanded use of whistleblowing in terms of incentives to encourage it and laws to protect whistleblowers. This article examines the role of whistleblowing as a tool to combat corruption. It describes the law and role of whistleblowing in a comparative context, focusing on the United States, the European Union, and Armenia. The article then concludes with recommendations regarding how whistleblowing could be strengthened, especially in Armenia, as an example of a post-communist state, to be an effective tool for addressing corruption.