Kleptocracy: Fighting Corruption at Home and Abroad with Paul Massaro

In this episode, Ryan is joined by Paul Massaro, Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Helsinki Commission, to discuss kleptocracy, anti-corruption efforts, and Russia's War against Ukraine. They define corruption, why it impacts everyone, and how the West has been supporting corrupt autocrats for decades. Paul also outlines key legislation to fight corruption and how the U.S. and other countries can put forward stronger laws. The conversation concludes with Paul's assessment of the Russo-Ukrainian War and why it has ignited a new push to fight corruption.

To learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, check out these books recommend by Paul: The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics; Moneyland: The Inside Story of the Crooks and Kleptocrats Who Rule the World; Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice; and, American Kleptocracy: How the U.S. Created the World's Greatest Money Laundering Scheme in History.

Paul Massaro serves on the staff of the U.S. Helsinki commission. The views expressed here are his own and do not represent an official position of the U.S. government.