The fight against corruption is important for national security in several respects: a) efficient and rational use of resources in times of war; b) strengthening the country’s defense capability; c) Ukraine’s European integration aspirations, and therefore, a growing scientific interest in understanding the nature of anti-corruption policy in public authorities and substantiating possible anti-corruption initiatives in Ukraine. The article aims to study scientific approaches to understanding the nature of anti-corruption policy and to substantiate the ways to increase its effectiveness. The authors analyze theoretical approaches to understanding the nature of “anti-corruption policy”. The absence of a unified opinion of scientists on the existence and emergence of the phenomenon of “corruption” is emphasized. The areas of scientific research on this phenomenon are outlined (analysis of corruption as a social phenomenon, study of the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, assessment of legal regulation of anti-corruption activities, and comparative analysis of international experience in the fight against corruption). Based on the analysis of scientific literature, the authors summarize theoretical approaches to understanding the nature of “corruption”. The following approaches are highlighted: institutional, economic, social, and psychological. The theoretical foundations of the study of anti-corruption policy are deepened by clarifying this definition (as a set of measures aimed at preventing, detecting, and combating corruption in all spheres of public life). In order to increase the effectiveness of anti-corruption policy, the article emphasizes the need to implement an integrated approach that includes institutional, economic, and socio-psychological measures. Particular attention should be paid to reforming critical sectors such as defence, finance, and public procurement, where the risks of corruption remains high. Independent audits, digitalization of processes, and strengthening of public oversight are effective means of reducing corruption in these areas. The article argues that effective counteraction to corruption in society is impossible without ensuring real transparency and information openness of the authorities. The activities of government agencies and their officials should be made as transparent and understandable as possible for the citizens of Ukraine. 

corruption, public authorities, public administration, corruption risks, defense sector, economy, war, anti-corruption policy