The Enablers: How Western Professionals Import Corruption and Strengthen Authoritarianism

September 2018

Past Event

The Enablers: How Western Professionals Import Corruption and Strengthen Authoritarianism

Past Event

Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C. Headquarters

September 06, 2018

September 2018

Past Event

1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004

Read Transcript

Speakers:

Elise Bean

Former Staff Director and Chief Counsel, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, U.S. Senate

Mark Hays

Anti-Money Laundering Campaign Leader, Global Witness.

As globalization began breaking down divisions between Western elites and their counterparts in the Eastern hemisphere, some American legal, financial, and communications professionals sought new opportunities among clients with fortunes of dubious provenance.

But instead of carrying the rule of law into corrupt societies, networking between U.S. professional services providers and kleptocrats linked to authoritarian regimes has undermined American values, democracy, and national security. Some of the most distinguished and influential professions have become importers of dirty money and underhand practices.

On September 6, 2018, Hudson Institute’s Kleptocracy Initiative held a discussion on “The Enablers: How Western Professionals Import Corruption and Strengthen Authoritarianism," a new report examining what policies are needed to close the loopholes commonly exploited by foreign kleptocrats and their professional facilitators in the United States.

To read the report, click here.

August 2025

Past Event

Peru’s Strategic Moment

Featured Speakers:

Diego de la Torre

Francisco Tudela

Marc Wachtenheim

Amb. Hugo de Zela

Moderator:

Daniel Batlle

August 2025

Past Event

Peru’s Strategic Moment

Join Hudson Adjunct Fellow Daniel Batlle and a panel of leading analysts as they examine what lies ahead for Peru and whether the country can convert its economic potential into lasting security and sovereignty ahead of its 2026 elections.

Featured Speakers:

Diego de la Torre

Francisco Tudela

Marc Wachtenheim

Amb. Hugo de Zela

Moderator:

Daniel Batlle

Learn More

July 2025

Past Event

How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security

Featured Speakers:

Austin Gray

Capt. Christian Lee (Ret.)

Matthew Paxton

Scott Sloan

Mike Smith

Lawrence Ryder

Moderators:

Bryan Clark

Michael Roberts

July 2025

Past Event

How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security

Join Hudson Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Michael Roberts for a discussion with government and industry leaders about the challenges the US Navy and Coast Guard face amid modernization efforts and how new legislation and regulation can help restore America’s maritime superiority.

Featured Speakers:

Austin Gray

Capt. Christian Lee (Ret.)

Matthew Paxton

Scott Sloan

Mike Smith

Lawrence Ryder

Moderators:

Bryan Clark

Michael Roberts

Learn More

July 2025

Past Event

Gaza: Aid, Influence, and Information War

Featured Speakers:

Johnnie Moore

Michael Doran

July 2025

Past Event

Gaza: Aid, Influence, and Information War

Join Hudson Institute Senior Fellow and Director for the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East Michael Doran for a conversation with Reverend Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders and founder of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Featured Speakers:

Johnnie Moore

Michael Doran

Learn More

July 2025

Past Event

Other Approaches to the US-Canada Trade Impasse

Featured Speakers:

Hon. Ed Fast

Jamie Tronnes

Moderator:

Matthew Boyse

July 2025

Past Event

Other Approaches to the US-Canada Trade Impasse

Join Hudson Senior Fellow Matt Boyse for a discussion with former Canadian Minister for Trade and Economic Development Ed Fast, and CNAPS Executive Director Jamie Tronnes, as they explore a new path forward for US-Canada relations and what other allies can learn from the process.