Thieves of State

By Sarah Chayes

About Thieves of State

Sarah Chayes examines corruption as a source of insecurity, drawing on her experience in Afghanistan and comparisons with other societies. She connects predatory government, public humiliation, and the appeal of violent opposition, asking why security policy so often treats corruption as a secondary concern.

Why I include it

I include this alongside Moneyland to connect financial misconduct with its consequences for legitimacy, conflict, and everyday life.

Reading guide · Read 2

Corruption & Global Finance

Connects corruption to conflict and the loss of state legitimacy; a strong bridge from Moneyland to Ghost Wars and The Fifth Act.

What to look for while reading

Which evidence supports the author's argument, and how does this account change the questions you bring to the other books in this section?

Perspective & context

I bring these books together to compare perspectives and develop judgment. No single author has the final word.

Key themes

Corruption & Global Finance

Related books

MoneylandOliver Bullough
American KleptocracyCasey Michel

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Praise & Reviews

“An important book that should be required reading for officials in foreign service”
— Giles Foden, The New York Times Book Review

Review source