“I am one of the legions of journalists and writers who, at one time or another, also attended and huffed at the hypocrisy” of Davos, FP’s Michael Hirsh writes. “I mean, c’mon: a bunch of billionaires and elites pretending to solve the world’s problems when, in truth, they were often the very culprits perpetuating those problems?”
Yet, in that same essay, Hirsh makes a case for why the world needs so-called Davos Men again. This edition of Flash Points examines the Davos paradox, offering insight into the possibilities, and limitations, of the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks during a session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 18. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis on How to Counter ‘Davos Arrogance’
Greece’s prime minister makes the case that his country is uniquely situated to talk to the global south—and broker peace in the Middle East.
From left, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, then-Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, then-Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger, and World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende attend a session at the WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on May 25, 2022.FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images
Why We Need Davos Man Back
It’s fun to bash billionaires. But with the global system under assault, we need all the help we can get, FP’s Michael Hirsh writes.
Then-U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive at a state dinner at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 9, 2017.Thomas Peter/Getty Images
Everything You Know About Global Order Is Wrong
If Western elites understood how the postwar liberal system was created, they’d think twice about asking for its renewal, FP’s Adam Tooze writes.
A World Economic Forum (WEF) sign on the opening day of the WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 16, 2023.Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
Is Geopolitics Damaging Industry?
FP’s Ravi Agrawal convenes a discussion with four top global executives at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The AlpenGold Hotel ahead of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, on Dec. 30, 2023.Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
The Davos Paradox
How can the rich and powerful fix the world if they’re the problem? FP’s Cameron Abadi and Adam Tooze discuss this question and more.