The rule of law is essential to support a democratic society. Citizens rely on the government to protect its people through laws and good governance. However, corruption undermines the government's ability to be responsible for the good of its people. Corruption as defined by Transparency International is “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. When governments are corrupt, they delay the implementation of the rule of law and create greater inequalities. Organized crimes, such as human trafficking, contribute to corruption by undermining law enforcement efforts, slowing economic growth, and increasing the costs of regional trade (Dixon 98). These negative impacts affect the population's trust in the government. According to Transparency International's 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index, Cambodia is ranked 160 out of 177 countries, with a score of 20 out of 100 (corruption by country). By this measure, Cambodia is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The 2004 Cambodia Corruption Assessment by USAID and Casals and Associates stated that corruption "has become part of daily life in Cambodia" (Calavan, Diaz, O'Brien 2). To understand the current state of corruption within the nation, it is important to consider the country's recent history, marked by successive political, economic and social unrest throughout the 20th century, which encouraged many professionals qualified to leave the country (Ibid). Additionally, Cambodia's history of military and political conflict has prevented the country from progressing alongside many of its neighbors. Furthermore, after the Paris Accords, the Cambodian government created a hybrid of “predatory market economics and authoritarian control” (Ibid). These factors, along with widespread extreme poverty,...... middle of paper ...... and Jerald O'Brien. Assessing Corruption in Cambodia. USAID and Casals & Associates. 2004. <http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2004/cambodian-corruption-assessment.pdf>.Calavan, Micheal M. “Assessing Corruption in Cambodia”. USAID. Internet. April 2, 2012. “Corruption by country/territory.” Transparency International. Np, and Web. April 11, 2014. “Office of Inspector General.” USAID. Np, and Web. April 2, 2012. .Office of the Inspector General. William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008. Washington, DC: United States Agency for International Development, 2010. Print.Sen, Samdech HUN. Speech in December 11, 2001