Is the U.S. a Kleptocracy—and What It Means for DEI in Canada

Understanding kleptocracy (and why we’re even talking about it when it comes to DEI in Canada)

Let’s start with the basics: kleptocracy sounds like a word a toddler might invent while trying to say "democracy" with a mouthful of Goldfish crackers. But it's very real—and very serious.

A kleptocracy is a system of government where those in power use their position to steal resources from the public. It’s corruption, institutionalized. We’re not just talking about sneaky backroom deals; we’re talking about an entire political ecosystem where wealth and power get funneled into the hands of the already-wealthy and already-powerful, with little concern for accountability, equity, or justice.

When a government prioritizes enriching elites over serving people, public trust collapses. Systems stop working for the public good. And guess what suffers most? Programs built on values like fairness, equity, inclusion, and access—like DEI.

So, is the US a kleptocracy? Let’s unpack it—and see how this conversation impacts Canada’s own diversity, equity and inclusion work.

Is the US a kleptocracy?

The United States is technically a constitutional republic. But many political analysts, scholars, and watchdogs have raised red flags about growing kleptocratic (and even fascist) tendencies.

Here’s what they’re worried about:

• Massive wealth inequality is baked into the system. Tax loopholes benefit billionaires while working families struggle to access healthcare, housing, or education. Meanwhile, politically motivated tariffs can raise prices on everyday goods, hitting low- and middle-income Canadians the hardest while the ultra-wealthy remain untouched.

• Political donations have turned into legal bribery, where those with the deepest pockets can buy influence.

• Public officials benefit personally from their roles—through insider trading, shady business deals, or post-political career windfalls

If that’s not classic kleptocracy behavior, it’s at least playing in the same sandbox.

And it gets more complicated when you look at who gets left out. Structural racism, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities, and barriers for disabled folks or newcomers all get worse when power is concentrated in elite, often homogenous hands. DEI doesn’t just get ignored in a kleptocracy—it gets bulldozed.

Canada’s got solid laws to protect underrepresented groups, but let’s be real — if a full-on kleptocracy takes root next door, we’re definitely going to feel the impact.

What does this mean for DEI in Canada?

Let’s bring it home. If the US—Canada’s biggest neighbour, trading partner, and cultural influencer—is tilting toward kleptocracy, what’s the fallout for Canadian workplaces trying to prioritize DEI?

1. Trickle-down cynicism

Cynicism kills momentum. It’s hard to stay hopeful about progress when every other headline screams, “Nothing works!”

But here’s the Canadian opportunity: be different.focus on inclusion.

2. Weakening of cross-border collaboration

Canadian employers must build Canadian-specific policies that reflect our own values, legal context, and lived realities.

3. An uptick in performative DEI

Instead of “look at our diverse stock photos,” try:

• Transparent hiring audits

• Pay equity analysis

• Promotion tracking by identity group

4. More pressure on Canadian employees to “just be grateful”

True inclusion means validating people’s concerns, investing in real solutions, and being open to feedback.

So… what do we do with all this?

If this post left you thinking “that was a lot,” good—that’s kind of the point. These aren’t easy conversations, but they’re necessary ones. Naming systems like kleptocracy helps us get honest about how power works, and how it affects the people we say we want to include. 

DEI doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s shaped by politics, money, and who gets to make the rules. 

So as Canadian employers, we’ve got to keep asking: are we reinforcing broken systems, or challenging them? Are we chasing optics, or building something real? These are the questions that separate performative from powerful.

Real inclusion doesn’t wait for permission

Here’s the truth: we don’t need to wait for perfect systems or global alignment to build workplaces that actually work for people. If the US is slipping toward kleptocracy, that’s all the more reason for inclusive Canadian employers to double down on fairness, transparency, and inclusion.

You don’t need to be a government or a billionaire to make a difference. You just need to care enough to do things differently—and consistently.

Real inclusion shows up in who you hire, how you promote, who gets heard, and who gets left out. It’s not a buzzword. It’s a responsibility.

So be the employer who sees what’s broken and builds better anyway - not just for now, but for the long haul.

And if you're ready to step into that role, you’re exactly the kind of leader Canada needs right now.

About HireDiverse 

We’re Canada’s diversity and inclusion-focused job board.  We reach diverse candidates across Canada through intentional outreach and inclusive messaging. Post jobs to highlight your organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.