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Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow late on April 29, 2026. (Getty Images)
Throughout the world, high-level corruption undermines the rule of law, confidence in public authorities, and human rights. The turmoil following the Arab Spring, the increasing violence of narcotics cartels in Latin America, and the war in Ukraine illustrate the threat kleptocracy poses to both international stability and U.S. national security.
Federal law enforcement agencies are increasingly targeting corrupt officials, their illicit assets, and the institutions that enable kleptocracy. Since corrupt agents often look to the Western financial system as a vehicle for legitimizing and protecting their money, the importance of the U.S. to this system offers far greater leverage over kleptocratic regimes than is currently acknowledged.
To address the national security implications of kleptocracy and discuss the countermeasures currently in practice, Hudson Institute hosted a panel featuring Jeffrey Sallet, Debra LaPrevotte, and Thomas Firestone. Charles Davidson moderated the discussion.
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The US Capitol Building at dusk on May 12, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
