Populism Is Waning, Which Is Reason to Party in Davos
"The global economy looks to be on a solid footing, with global growth in 2018 expected to be the fastest since 2011." For Davos participants, who tend to enjoy a self-congratulatory worry about sub-Saharan Africa in between mindfulness training, a simulation of life as a Syrian refugee
and an economic rationale for low taxes, these are comforting times to be alive.
But this year the champagne may be flowing even more freely than usual in the Swiss Alps resort of Davos, owing to a turn in the global situation pleasing
to the sorts of people who make the annual pilgrimage — heads of state, corporate chieftains and those who manage extraordinary piles of money.
The China trade war Mr. Trump has long promised could become reality as he grows
frustrated with Beijing’s reluctance to deny North Korea access to fuel.
From inside the World Economic Forum, which starts on Tuesday, these events seemed part of the
same storm system, one energized by anger in many major economies over widening income gaps.
22, 2018
LONDON — The World Economic Forum has never suffered from a lack of extravagance.
Though Europe appears far stronger than it did a year ago, a looming election in Italy could elevate the Five Star movement, a party
that has been skeptical of the euro and the European Union.
