Kleptocracy (noun)

1. A system of government characterized by widespread corruption, theft of state resources, and abuse of power by those in control.
2. A form of government in which those in power use their positions to steal state resources for their own benefit.

Origin:

Derived from the greek words "kleptes," meaning "thief," and "kratos," meaning "power," it is a 20th century word.

Examples:

1. The country was ruled by a kleptocracy, with the president and his allies embezzling millions of dollars in public funds.
2. The people of the country lived in poverty while the kleptocrats enjoyed a life of luxury.
3. The opposition claimed that the government was a kleptocracy, and demanded reforms.
4. The kleptocrats were eventually brought to justice and the country was put on a path towards democracy.
5. The international community is increasingly concerned about the rise of kleptocracies in developing countries.