What came out of Davos

Our editor in chief reports from the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. JANUARY 23, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](  |  [SUBSCRIBE](     A view of the Davos ski resort during the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 26, 2018. Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images Yes, Davos is a [bubble](. The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Switzerland in January is routinely reviled as elitist. But the obvious criticisms aside, the gathering serves an important purpose, which is why I’ve been strapping on my crampons and making the long journey to Davos for nearly 15 years. It’s useful to have the world’s top CEOs, politicians, and representatives from civil society in the same space at the start of a new year debating ideas. The world needs more forums for discussion, not less. The theme for this year’s conference was “Rebuilding Trust”—an acknowledgment that the world is increasingly fragmented and public faith in institutions is low. The biggest topics of discussion last week centered on conflict, elections, climate change, and how new technologies like artificial intelligence might impact each of those things. In fact, artificial intelligence cropped up in almost every discussion. I moderated an interesting panel about the impact of technology on elections in 2024, which, as you know, is the subject of our latest print issue, “[The Year the World Votes](.” My guests included Jan Lipavský, the Czech Republic’s foreign minister; Smriti Zubin Irani, India’s minister of women and child development; André Kudelski, the CEO of the Swiss-based Kudelski Group; Alexandra Reeve Givens, the CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology; and Matthew Prince, the co-founder and CEO of CloudFlare. Watch the full discussion [here](: I promise it’ll make you a little bit smarter about how the public and private sectors can get together to handle deepfake videos and troll farms in this crucial year for democracy. I also had a fascinating one-on-one conversation on stage with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the prime minister of Greece. As incumbent leaders the world over struggle in the polls, Mitsotakis returned to power in 2023 with a resounding victory. How did he do it? What lessons can centrist leaders elsewhere learn? You can watch our full discussion [here](.—Ravi Agrawal P.S. Want more of Ravi’s insights? FP Insiders received an exclusive behind-the-scenes note from our editor in chief while he was at Davos last week. For direct access to our editors and writers and more perks,[join our VIP membership program](. Save 50% when you join today for just $499 $249/year.   New and Noteworthy - More Belts, More Roads: The vulnerability of maritime transport has been emphasized with recent Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, causing delays and driving up logistics costs. One country has long recognized this vulnerability: China. Recently celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Belt and Road Initiative, the country’s [approach to shipping and infrastructure]( is something every nation should consider for uncontrollable and unpredictable events, argues Parag Khanna. - Presidential Policy: “Although many people now fear that a second Trump term would have dramatic effects on U.S. foreign policy, I suspect the differences will be less significant than you might think,” Stephen M. Walt writes in his [latest column]( for Foreign Policy. - Grad School Guide: Selecting which graduate school to attend is an important step to help professionals build a meaningful career in international relations. [Click here]( to access FP’s sponsored graduate guide and request information from schools. Learn directly from top-tier graduate programs about course offerings, interdisciplinary approaches, experiential learning, and external partnerships to find a program that aligns with your career goals.   FP Live [Ian Bremmer on 2024, the “Voldemort of Years”](Jan. 29 | 10 a.m. ETEvery year, the geopolitical risk consultancy Eurasia Group releases an [annual forecast]( of the political risks that are most likely to play out over the next 12 months. According to the group’s founder, Ian Bremmer, 2024 is a year of grave concern—“the Voldemort of years … the year that must not be named.” Bremmer will join FP’s Ravi Agrawal to explore how the world can prepare for these challenges. [Register now](. [What Taiwan’s Elections Mean for the U.S.—and the World](On DemandAre there lessons from Taiwan’s experience for other countries that will head to the polls in 2024, including the United States? What are the top three points to reset America’s economic relationship with China? FP’s Ravi Agrawal asks these questions and more to Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is one of the heads of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. [Watch]( the conversation now. [10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024](On DemandWith bloodshed and human suffering ravaging so many nations around the globe, the world entered 2024 on edge. Comfort Ero, the president and CEO of the International Crisis Group, joined FP Live to discuss the flash points, conflicts, and developments to look out for in 2024. [Watch]( the conversation, [read]( the Q&A, and [check out the annual report]( from Ero and the organization’s executive vice president, highlighting how 10 conflicts might unfold this year.   Exercise Your Mind Farmers protested in front of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate last Monday. On Friday, which group of workers continued the protest in the same location? - Construction workers - Hospitality and tourism workers - Finance professionals - Truckers You can find the answer to this question and learn more at the end of this email.   Most Popular on FP [Joe Biden scratches his eye as he meets with NATO Secretary General during a NATO summit at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels on June 14, 2021. ]( [America’s Strategy of Ambiguity Is Ending Now]( The United States has expanded its security commitments around the world—and the bill is coming due. By James Crabtree [Space Isn’t the Final Frontier]( Mars fantasists still cling to dreams of the Old West. By Zach and Kelly Weinersmith [A woman wearing a Soviet military uniform directs pedestrians during an exhibition of Soviet tanks and military vehicles at Red Square in Moscow on Nov. 6, 2023. ]( [The Broken Bargain of Russian Womanhood]( Why they won’t rebel against the war that kills their men. By Anastasia Edel [Souvenirs bearing the images of the late Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong and current Chinese President Xi Jinping are seen at a shop in Beijing on April 5, 2023. ]( [The Futile Legacy of Mao Zedong]( Xi Jinping wants to be a new Great Helmsman. It won’t work. By Doug Bandow [America’s Strategy of Ambiguity Is Ending Now]( The United States has expanded its security commitments around the world—and the bill is coming due. By James Crabtree [Space Isn’t the Final Frontier](Mars fantasists still cling to dreams of the Old West. By Zach and Kelly Weinersmith [The Broken Bargain of Russian Womanhood](Why they won’t rebel against the war that kills their men. By Anastasia Edel [The Futile Legacy of Mao Zedong](Xi Jinping wants to be a new Great Helmsman. It won’t work. By Doug Bandow   From Around FP - The Economic Impacts of AI: How can governments, the private sector, and other global institutions integrate generative AI across industries—from life sciences to banking—to further economic development? [Register for a free virtual dialogue tomorrow]( on what generative AI means for the future of the global economy. This is the third dialogue in a six-part series, hosted by Foreign Policy in partnership with the Special Competitive Studies Project. Watch [part one]( and [part two]( now. - New Reports From FPA: [FP Analytics](, Foreign Policy’s independent research and advisory division, takes in-depth, data-informed looks at major global moments. Check out a new report on the [role of diagnostics in addressing global health security](, in which FP brought together experts to build on the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level meetings on health. Or explore [key opportunities to maintain the momentum from COP28]( in a new issue brief produced with support from the COP28 Presidency. FPA can work with your team to produce in-depth proprietary research—[contact us]( to learn more. - Season 5 of HERO: The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HERO), an award-winning Foreign Policy podcast made possible in part through funding by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has returned. In the [newest season](, join host Reena Ninan and reporters across Africa to assess promises made about gender equality and whether leaders are truly delivering on them. Look out for new episodes every Tuesday on [Apple](, [Spotify](, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Answer: D. Truckers. Farmers say they are upset about the government’s plan to repeal agricultural diesel fuel subsidies. But Paul Hockenos [argues]( it’s much ado about nothing.   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's This Week newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2023 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.