kleptocracy

/klɛpˈtɒkrəsi/

Other forms: kleptocracies

When the leaders of a country focus on becoming rich and powerful at the expense of its citizens, that country is a kleptocracy.

In a true kleptocracy, ordinary citizens live in poverty as the government uses public funds for its own benefit, or to help friends and family members. Leaders in this kind of government often have luxurious lives, and ongoing corruption (including bribes and financial kickbacks) keeps them in power. Kleptocracy comes from Greek roots, kléptēs, "thief," and krátos, "power."

Definitions of kleptocracy

1. noun

   government by greedy leaders who misuse wealth and power for their own ends
2. noun

   a ruling body made up of power-hungry thieves