And, as the rich kowtow to the authorities to protect their wealth, a strong check on official arbitrariness disappears.

For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness God is witness

As a group, they joined in the adulation of Greenspan, whom one leading economist proclaimed the greatest central banker who ever lived.

It is unlikely that cajoling Western elites will mitigate the deep seated uncertainty in the US and Europe about China s rise.

Some African leaders notably Ghana s president, John Kufuor, and outgoing African Union head Alpha Konare have tried to cajole Mugabe towards reform, to no avail.

Democratic countries particularly the United States and members of the European Union can denounce authoritarian practices with a clear voice and resist the temptation of cozying up to regional bullies for short term strategic advantage.

This requires, first of all, cozying up with China and the autocratic Gulf states the main lenders to the US Treasury as well working with Iran and Russia to limit the costs of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

With developing countries standing to lose even more than developed countries if nothing is done about global warming, many believe they can be cajoled, threatened, or induced to be part of a global agreement.