Like most saints or zealots, Mr Eigen sees the world a touch too simply.

ECONOMIST: Who will listen to Mr Clean?

Although even Mr Eigen cannot claim sole responsibility for these things, Transparency International has established itself as the world's main anti-corruption lobbyist.

ECONOMIST: Who will listen to Mr Clean?

But, even assuming that Mr Eigen is on the side of the angels, that still raises the question: what on earth can he do about it?

ECONOMIST: Who will listen to Mr Clean?

It is just this sort of argument that sends Peter Eigen, the founder of Transparency International, an anti-corruption pressure group based in Berlin, into paroxysms of high-minded rage.

ECONOMIST: Who will listen to Mr Clean?

In this respect, Mr Eigen can claim one success.

ECONOMIST: Who will listen to Mr Clean?

Professor Eigen has this exactly right.

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