Kleptopia is a scathing indictment of the pervasive and ever-growing role of corruption in our world today. Award-winning journalist Tom Burgis offers an unvarnished view from the ground up of how dirty money is both fueling and confounding global development, often with deadly consequences. From Nigeria to Bangladesh, Russia to China, Burgis shows how kleptocrats pillage their countries’ resources while politically connected businessmen gorge themselves on state contracts. And he reveals the little-known links between western banks and shell companies that help disguise ill-gotten gains. Yet as bad as things are now, Burgis warns that they could get much worse―unless we act decisively to expose and combat financial secrecy and impunity.” – From the book jacket.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in politics and social sciences. It provides an unvarnished view of how dirty money is conquering the world today, from countries like Nigeria to Bangladesh, Russia and China. The author also reveals little-known links between western banks and shell companies that help disguise ill-gotten gains. Despite all this, he warns that things could get much worse unless we act decisively to combat financial secrecy and impunity.
Pros :
- vivid and well-written description of global corruption
- raises awareness about a serious global issue
- provides possible solutions to the problem
Cons :
- The author lacks proper qualifications to write about the subject matter.
- The book is poorly written and researched.
- It is not particularly engaging or readable.
Learn more about the author
Tom Burgis is an award-winning journalist who has reported from Africa, Asia and Europe for the Financial Times, The Economist and London’s Sunday Times. He was named Foreign Correspondent of the Year in 2017 by Britain’s Association of International Broadcasters.
Reader Reviews
“A damning, compelling account of the role of corruption in world affairs… A wake-up call for a more just and equitable global society.”
“Kleptopia is a well written and thoroughly researched book on global corruption. Tom Burgis takes the reader on an investigative journey around the world, explaining in detail how various forms of dirty money are undermining economic development and often resulting in deadly consequences. This is an important contribution to our understanding of one of the most pressing issues facing society today.”
“Kleptopia reads like an edge of your seat spy novel, but it is non-fiction and all the more frightening for that. Burgis takes us on a global tour from Russia to China to Nigeria, exposing how dirty money flows through politics and business alike, decimating economies and corrupting public institutions along the way. It’s a sobering look at just how bad things have gotten – but also a rallying cry for reform. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding why our world is falling apart.”
“Kleptopia is a damning indictment of the role corruption plays in our world today. Journalist Tom Burgis takes us on an unflinching tour from the ground up, exposing how dirty money fuels development – often with deadly consequences. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in making our world a better place.”
