Kleptocracy
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.
Glossary
Controlled vocabulary for the Kleptopedia knowledge base. Working definitions of kleptocracy, mafia state, Uber Krysha, siloviki, black cash and related analytical terms.
Kleptocracy
Working definition of kleptocracy as used on Kleptopedia: a system in which those in power exploit national resources for personal enrichment with near-total impunity.
Kleptocracy or Oligarchy — What Is the Difference?
Short answer: 1990s oligarchy implied relative autonomy from the political centre; post-2000 kleptocracy / kremligarch system implies wealth and security contingent on loyalty to the vertical of power.
Kleptocracy vs Oligarchy
Comparative framework: classic 1990s oligarchy implied relative autonomy from the political centre; post-2000 kremligarch kleptocracy implies dependence on and service to the vertical of power.
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.
Kleptocratic Extraction
Mechanism analysis: systematic conversion of public resources, state contracts and natural-resource rents into private wealth for a narrow ruling circle under near-total impunity. Source-linked.
Overview
Structured, source-linked knowledge base on Russian kleptocracy, state–crime symbiosis, hybrid statecraft and authoritarian patronage. Seven categories, three analytical theses, full citability.