In 2010, NATO and DCAF published the first repository of best practices in Building Integrity and Reducing Corruption in Defence: A Compendium of Best Practices. This volume builds on the accumulated experience in implementing NATO’s Building Integrity programme. It treats persistent and new challenges in a comprehensive manner. Researchers and practitioners from international, governmental and non-governmental organizations share their experience and knowledge here on the most salient defence integrity issues.

The volume is the outcome of a pro-active hard-working intellectual coalition. Its chapters reflect dynamic cooperation between NATO practitioners, civil society, academic researchers, and defence professionals working at the intersection of theory and practice. This shared endeavour has produced a toolkit that is both rigorous and operationally relevant. It combines conceptual insight, tested expertise, and evidence collected by experts. The Compendium demonstrates that when institutions, scholars, and civic actors work together, they can generate knowledge beneficial for informing policy-makers, shaping strategy, and strengthening democratic governance in the defence sector. 

The impetus for this collaboration did not arise in isolation. It was prompted by the disruptions affecting today’s security environment. Russia’s war against Ukraine, rising transactional politics, hybrid attacks on democratic systems, and corruption used as a geopolitical weapon required an intellectual response. NATO member states and partners have learned the hard way that poorly governed defence sectors are vulnerable. The Compendium was therefore inspired by this practical need, the need for a better understanding of corruption risks in defence and equipping allies, partners, and institutions, with tools to prevent integrity failures that weaken security. 

It is therefore both a product and a guidepost. It is a product of collaboration across communities of practice and knowledge. It is a guidepost ushering towards the future of integrity studies. It invites scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike to continue the conversation, deepen the cooperation, and pursue integrity as a pillar of defence effectiveness and democratic resilience.