Kleptocracy—rule by thieves—is the engine of modern authoritarianism, converting stolen public wealth into raw political power at home and abroad. These regimes use force, corruption, and hidden global networks to protect their plunder. To maintain their grip, kleptocrats systematically destroy oversight by corrupting institutions, poisoning elections, and exploiting financial systems worldwide. This assault on accountability doesn’t just steal wealth – it corrupts the very foundations of democracy globally.
NED supports civil society and partners working in common cause that seek to detect, deter and dismantle the kleptocratic networks that undermine democracy. Key features of the NED strategy are to detect kleptocracy by strengthening capacity for investigations and research that sheds light on both specific instances of kleptocratic acts as well or particular patterns of kleptocracy and kleptocratic networks; deter kleptocracy by providing evidence-based advocacy at the national or international level based on critical “pattern analysis” and “ground truth” regarding kleptocratic behavior that supports systemic reforms and/or collective action to effectively disincentivize kleptocratic behavior; and dismantle kleptocracy by pursuing actions that weaken impunity of kleptocrats and their ability to extract, hide, and protect their ill-gotten gains.
NED works with its core institutes and an extensive network of civil society partners around the world seeking to dismantle kleptocracy. Our partners work to investigate and prevent how kleptocrats capture core democratic institutions and steal public wealth.
Grantee Spotlight

NED’s Strategic Initiatives
Building Democratic Resilience to Authoritarian Influence
Advancing the Fight against Kleptocracy
Challenging Authoritarian Censorship and Protecting Free Speech
Addressing the Opportunities and Threats Posed by Technology
Supporting Democracy Advocates at Risk
ResEarch and Analysis
International Forum Report: Kleptocratic Cooperation in Africa

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International Forum Report: Fighting Kleptocracy in an Era of Geopolitics
