In the post-cold-war era there are new opportunities and incentives for individuals to engage in corrupt practices. This report discusses monopolistic or oligopolistic situations, wide-ranging discretionary powers in the hands of individuals or organizations motivated to engage in corrupt practices, and a lack of transparency reducing the ability to control those in positions of authority. Suggesting that large-scale corruption may be transnational with a growing awareness of corruption as a serious problem, the report describes the offenses of bribery, fraud, buying and delivering of votes, illicit political contributions, abuse of power and breaches of trust, misappropriation of public funds, and conflicts of interest as serious criminal activities. Addressing the United Nations' (U.N.) actions against corruption and bribery, this report argues that the U.N. has been concerned with the problems of corruption for more than two decades. After presenting a series of resolutions adopted by the U.N. General Assembly concerning bribery and corruption prevention, this report describes the activities of the U.N. Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division (CPCD), with the authors arguing that the CPCD has made efforts to provide its technical cooperation services to requesting Member States to enable them to enhance their capacities to develop and pursue anti-corruption policies and strategies. This report maintains that international agreements and cooperation are essential to creating an environment in which corrupt practices will not be tolerated. A series of appendices presenting General Assembly resolutions and the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials completes this report.