noun
- plural of kleptocracy; governments or systems in which those in power steal public resources and wealth for personal gain
Usage: formal; political term
Examples
- Many developing nations have struggled under kleptocracies where leaders embezzled billions in public funds.
- International observers documented how kleptocracies systematically looted national treasuries.
- The transition from kleptocracies to accountable governance requires strong institutional reforms.
- Historians have identified several kleptocracies in the 20th century that collapsed due to widespread corruption.
- Anti-corruption organizations work to expose kleptocracies and hold leaders accountable.
- Citizens in kleptocracies often face poverty despite their nations' natural wealth.