Putin Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia?

Corruption has plagued many countries throughout history, but few can match the scale and audacity of the alleged kleptocracy under Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin's ascent to power in 1999 marked the beginning of a new era in Russian politics, one characterized by vast fortunes, unexplained wealth, and a tight grip on power.

Understanding the Term "Kleptocracy"

Before delving into the murky depths of Putin's alleged kleptocracy, it's essential to understand what the term actually means. A kleptocracy refers to a government or state where those in power exploit their positions to amass personal wealth for themselves and their associates, typically through corruption, embezzlement, and other illegal means.

Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia?

by Karen Dawisha (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

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The Rise of Putin and the Oligarchs

When Putin took office, Russia was undergoing a tumultuous period of economic and political transition. The privatization of state-owned assets in the 1990s resulted in the rise of a new class of billionaires known as the oligarchs. These wealthy individuals acquired immense power and control over key industries, often through dubious means.

Putin quickly recognized the threat the oligarchs posed to his authority and embarked on a campaign to rein them in. However, rather than dismantling their influence, Putin's actions seemed more like a redistribution of power within an already corrupt system. Many oligarchs were forced to sell their assets to Putin's inner circle, effectively consolidating wealth and power in the hands of a select few.

The Putin-Crony Connection

Putin's alleged kleptocracy operates on a web of corrupt relationships between the President, his trusted associates, and various governmental institutions. These associates, commonly referred to as cronies, are believed to have profited enormously from their ties to Putin and his regime.

One infamous example is the case of Sergei Roldugin, a close friend of Putin and a renowned cellist. Roldugin's offshore companies were implicated in a massive money laundering scheme, diverting millions of dollars from Russian state funds to his personal accounts. This revelation shed light on the immense wealth accumulated by Putin's inner circle.

Concentration of Wealth

As the kleptocracy deepened, the concentration of wealth in Russia became increasingly extreme. Numerous studies and investigative reports have revealed shocking disparities in income and inequality, with a significant portion of the population living in poverty while a tiny elite amass tremendous riches.

Furthermore, Putin's critics argue that the President and his cronies control key sectors of the Russian economy, directly benefiting from their positions of power. These sectors include energy, banking, manufacturing, and media, giving them unprecedented control over the nation's resources and capital.

International Repercussions

The implications of Putin's alleged kleptocracy extend far beyond Russia's borders. The accumulation of ill-gotten wealth and the intertwining of business and politics have raised concerns among Western democracies and international organizations.

Money-laundering investigations, sanctions, and asset freezes have become common tools used by the United States and the European Union to exert pressure on Russian oligarchs and their connections to Putin's regime. International efforts to combat money laundering and corruption have intensified in response to the perceived threat posed by Putin's kleptocracy.

The Elusive Nature of the Truth

Unraveling the intricate details of Putin's kleptocracy is a complex task. The Russian government exercises strict control over the media, stifling dissent and independent reporting. Many journalists and activists who have dared to investigate or criticize the alleged kleptocracy have faced intimidation, imprisonment, or worse.

Despite these challenges, brave individuals and organizations continue their crusade for transparency and accountability. Leaks such as the Panama Papers and revelations by exiled oligarchs have offered glimpses into the inner workings of Putin's alleged kleptocracy, fueling public outrage and demands for change.

The extent and implications of Putin's alleged kleptocracy remain subjects of intense debate and investigation. While Putin's supporters dismiss such claims as baseless accusations, critics argue that the evidence suggests otherwise.

Regardless of where the truth lies, the idea of a corrupt political system manipulating national resources for personal gain strikes at the heart of democracy and fairness. The fight against kleptocracy is essential not only for Russia but for the international community as a whole.

Only through international cooperation, support for investigative journalism, and the steadfast dedication of those fighting against corruption can the world hope to shed light on the true nature of Putin's Russia and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia?

by Karen Dawisha (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4120 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	465 pages

FREE

The raging question in the world today is who is the real Vladimir Putin and what are his intentions. Karen Dawisha’s brilliant Putin’s Kleptocracy provides an answer, describing how Putin got to power, the cabal he brought with him, the billions they have looted, and his plan to restore the Greater Russia.

Russian scholar Dawisha describes and exposes the origins of Putin’s kleptocratic regime. She presents extensive new evidence about the Putin circle’s use of public positions for personal gain even before Putin became president in 2000. She documents the establishment of Bank Rossiya, now sanctioned by the US; the rise of the Ozero cooperative, founded by Putin and others who are now subject to visa bans and asset freezes; the links between Putin, Petromed, and “Putin’s Palace” near Sochi; and the role of security officials from Putin’s KGB days in Leningrad and Dresden, many of whom have maintained their contacts with Russian organized crime.

Putin’s Kleptocracy is the result of years of research into the KGB and the various Russian crime syndicates. Dawisha’s sources include Stasi archives; Russian insiders; investigative journalists in the US, Britain, Germany, Finland, France, and Italy; and Western officials who served in Moscow. Russian journalists wrote part of this story when the Russian media was still free. “Many of them died for this story, and their work has largely been scrubbed from the Internet, and even from Russian libraries,” Dawisha says. “But some of that work remains.”