But economic anxieties are far from the only source of strain in new democracies. In Africa, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia and Southeast Europe, transitions have been retarded by ethnic strife. To use a diplomatic term of art, that is balderdash. With its Party-based privileges, private dachas and stores reserved for the elite, Communism became a synonym for corruption. And dictators from Marcos to Mobutu robbed their countries blind.
Democratic elections provide no guarantee for honest government.
But democratic institutions provide the tools by which, over time, the habits of corruption can be curbed and its practitioners exposed. And that's why one of the great challenges we face is to work within the democratic community to set and meet high standards. In recent years, we have made considerable progress, but we still have far to go. For example, an OECD convention entered into force last February, committing all signatories to adopt strong anti-bribery laws. But to date, implementation by several key countries, including Japan, Britain and Italy, has been anything but strong.