Really strong introduction to corruption and kleptocracy in the United States, especially for those who may be new to writers that focus on the specifically American version of institutional and governmental corruption. In a relatively short book, Chayes takes the reader on a fairly broad historical tour starting with the Gilded Age and how the relationships with money & power established during that time affected the United States for years to come especially as the country experienced war and the Depression. The sensation is of an persuasive, slow, but steadily approaching encroachment. When thinking about the books I've read about kleptocracy (admittedly not a lot, but burgeoning area of interest) I think that Chayes grounds her analysis in this time frame is particularly helpful. After that section, the book moves on to territories more familiar and recent examples of political and corporate corruption (S&L crisis, Enron, Citizens United, etc.). Still the writing here is still excellent, easy to read and very informative.

Overall really good and easy to recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for e-arc.

The book is extensive and detailed. It makes a compelling case overall, but I did not think it was structured well. It felt more like a series of facts rather than a curated series of points to tell an overarching story to communicate the broader message. Perhaps its best to expect a comprehensive history of corruption, but even from that perspective it feels too broad. The attempt at a story is there, but it simply didn't feel like it was executed well.

On Corruption in America: And What Is at Stake by Sarah Chayes
I have listened to some of her talks on line so I knew what to expect. However, as a warning to potential readers; if you have high blood pressure or don’t wish to ruin your day maybe you should not open the book.
Ms. Chayes in knowledgeable and thorough in detailing the level of corruption and kleptocracy going on not just in 3rd world countries but in America as well. Much of the book discusses “The Hydra” as she refers to it where there is no much interconnection and networking between corporate America, politician and yes even the courts to make what would seem to be illegal- legal.
Have you ever wondered by a CEO would leave a major corporation making an 8 figure-salary to head up an agency in the US government making far less, traveling coach and staying in hotels that meet the per diem? Well, they are able with the help of congress if needed to pass legislation to make stealing from what is the general public possible. This happens from both parties and includes, Mr. & Mrs. Mitch McConnell, Madeleine Albright, Steve Mnuchin, his father, and brother who all came out of Goldman Sachs. There are long time connections between Supreme Court Justices going back to grade school and the cancerous relationship between Donald Trump and Bill Clinton via Jeffrey Epstein. And I learned that Mr. Epstein’s first job in a private school teaching Physics was due to Attorney William Barr’s father ! Intertwined all of the people with a common goal of acquiring land, resources, broken companies for asset stripping all to make more money that they need.
Can the government stop them? Probably not. As Ms. Chayes describes Newt Gingrich cut the congressional staff by two thirds. As a result, there are very few staff members to dig into issues before Congressional hearings. As in the case of Boeing when the two airplanes recently crashed turned over a million documents to congress, there were two staffers assigned to go thru them. You can imagine how well the hearing went. Same with the Facebook hearings.
Does Ms. Chayes offer solutions? Yes, but I am not sure they will come to pass nor can I offer any as well unless as she describes we suffer a major catastrophe that brings America together. It is not clear what catastrophe would do this? Pandemic? Another Trump win? These have not done it. So, this is why I suggested don’t read unless you wish to get very angry. Btw; I am glad I did read the book.

Written about what's been going on in the last year with politics, covid, and more. Interesting read and well done. Thank you for a copy of this book

This was the 2020 book I didn't know that I needed. With so much wrong-doing in the world and our country right now, this one does a great job of breaking it down for those of us (read: me) who had no idea about the gritty details.