When it comes to corruption, kleptocracy is the epitome of politicians’ greed and abuse of public resources. The term, which first came about in the early 1800s, originates from the Greek words klepto, meaning “thief,” and kratos, which stands for “power.” From the etymology, it is clear that this type of government is characterized by stealing from the public coffers while preserving their position of authority.
What is a synonym for kleptocracy?
The term “kleptocracy” is used interchangeably with “corrupt government,” “dictatorial regime,” or “plutocratic establishment.” These systemic problems are marked by high levels of corruption, evidenced by the covert diversion of resources from the general public to a small group of government officials.
How do you use kleptocracy in a sentence?
An example of using kleptocracy in a sentence is: “High-ranking government officials in the country were recently exposed in a kleptocracy, where they embezzled public funds into their personal accounts.”
What is kleptocracy?
Kleptocracy is when a government uses its power for personal gain by exploiting resources meant for public use. It is a type of corruption where the ruling elites enrich themselves and their cronies at public expense. Kleptocratic regimes tend to exhibit profound inequality as a result of the few at the top siphoning off public funds, thereby hampering equitable distribution of resources. This often leads to a breakdown of the social contract between the government and the governed, as citizens become disconnected from their leaders.
In kleptocracies, leaders often do not implement policies that are in the public interest, instead enacting laws that benefit the ruling elites. Unfortunately, this socioeconomic malaise almost always perpetuates if good governance policies are not put in place to checkmate corrupt practices.
Real-World Examples of Kleptocrats
The kleptocratic tendencies of leaders can manifest in various forms, as can be observed in different regions and countries of the world.
Kleptocracy in Nigeria
The Nigerian society has experienced a long period of kleptocracy, where politicians, military officials, and bureaucrats have looted the public funds at a colossal rate. One example of such an incident is the ‘Dasukigate’ scandal, where the then National Security Advisor, Col. Sambo Dasuki, was reported to have embezzled $2.1billion allocated to fight Boko Haram insurgency.
The scandal resulted in the conviction of several high-ranking officials in February 2020. In another kleptocratic spree, the government revealed that former-finance minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke used her position in power to misappropriate funds worth over $5 billion during her administration tenure.
Kleptocracy in Ukraine
Ukraine has had a long-standing corruption crisis that has hampered its economic growth and democratic stability. By not appointing adequate checks and balances, Ukraine made a fertile ground for corruption in its bidding and contracts award process. For instance, Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine, embezzled $40 billion from the state resources to acquire palatial mansions in Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
The people of Ukraine eventually revolted in 2014, forcing Yanukovych to flee to Russia when videos and pictures of his mansions were released.
How does kleptocracy affect people?
Kleptocracy has a devastating impact on the citizenry because it undermines the fundamental principles of democratic governance that rely on transparency, responsiveness, and the equal distribution of public goods. When officials use public resources for personal gain, they channel away resources aimed at meeting the primary needs of the people. Common consequences of kleptocracy include:
- A weakened economy: When government officials use public funds without being accountable, the economy becomes bankrupt, and the country fails to attract foreign investment. This results in low economic growth trajectories that adversely affect the poor and diminish the quality of life.
- Poverty and extreme inequality: The skewed allocation of resources results in extreme poverty and inequality, hindering socio-economic growth and well-being.
- A dysfunctional government: Corruption weakens institutions and the trust of government by the governed. Poor governance practices, such as bribes, nepotism, and embezzlement, are prevalent in kleptocratic settings, making the government ineffective in meeting the needs of citizens.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, kleptocracy is a corrupt government, a dictatorial regime, or a plutocratic establishment that benefits elites through embezzlement, bribery, and favoritism. Kleptocratic tendencies often result in a malfunctioning government and monumental economic setbacks. To combat this dark episode in governance, adequate steps must be taken towards building institutions that encourage transparency, accountability, and good governance policies.