Theses
Analytical Theses
The three core analytical theses of the Kleptopedia knowledge base: internal transformation into a mafia-state, international criminal linkages, and systematic authoritarian patronage. Source-backed, with explicit limitations.
Thesis 1: Internal Transformation
Analytical thesis: Russia as kleptocracy / mafia-state under an Uber Krysha arrangement. Formal institutions serve rent extraction; boundaries between state, security services and selected criminal networks are blurred.
Thesis 2: International Criminal Linkages
Analytical thesis: documented connections and instrumentalisation of transnational criminal networks exist; Russian-based actors frequently act as taxed and directed service-providers. Not a single global syndicate.
Thesis 3: Authoritarian Patronage
Analytical thesis: systematic Russian support for selected authoritarian regimes via military/mercenary assistance, weapons, intelligence, sanctions circumvention and diplomacy. Goals and limits.