“Provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the numerous issues, barriers, and structural impasses [necessary] to truly understand corruption and its foundation.” —Jamie M. Pratt, Crime, Law and Social Change "In this sophisticated analysis, Morris offers a deep and sobering reflection on five complex dilemmas that contemporary societies face when tackling corruption."—Matthew M. Taylor, American University

"Morris's provocative discussion of the history and politics of corruption reminds us not only that the rule of law is under constant strain in the modern world, but also that the very concept and nature of corruption are necessarily political, and all too often politicized, by leaders and the citizens that support them."—James D. Long, University of Washington

Continuing his deep study of the nature of political corruption, in his new book Stephen Morris confronts a fundamental dilemma: How can we control power, when power essentially determines what we can, and cannot, control? More specifically, how can we control the power of those actors who use that very power to influence our understanding of corruption and shape our efforts to fight it, all in accordance with their own interests?

As he unpacks the inherent contradictions that handicap the critical quest to limit the power of the powerful, Morris highlights the challenges of fighting corruption and contributes significantly to our understanding of its politicization and persistence.