As the annual World Economic Forum approaches, it stirs up both excitement and skepticism. This article revisits some familiar themes as we prepare for this year’s Davos Polka Dance.
Pockets of Liberty
In a world where reformers tirelessly seek to control every aspect of life, some individuals continue to exist outside their reach. In hidden corners of the Republic, the echoes of Saturday night hootenannies can still be heard, resonating under the grand oak trees. Here, beneath a tranquil moon, revelers dance to lively zydeco tunes, raising glasses filled with corn syrup and fermented grains.
These gatherings serve as a testament that, despite the omnipresence of government authority, there remain regions within the lower forty-eight where personal freedom flourishes. Across the globe, such sanctuaries exist, allowing individuals to choose their light bulbs without fear of consequence.
While these extraordinary locales may vary in character, they unify in one crucial aspect: their air is sweet, their waters pure, and their inhabitants hold their heads high.
In the old world, pockets of freedom are equally rare but not entirely extinguished. Although traditional songs may be more formal, and the drinks less sweet, there are still venues where people unite, free of scrutiny, to dance the polka around the mulberry tree.
Nestled along the Landwasser River in the Swiss Alps, Davos, Switzerland, stands apart from these free havens. For most of the year, it serves as an affluent ski resort, but once a year, it transforms into a hub for business, political, and academic leaders during the World Economic Forum.
This week sees the congregation’s festivities commence, albeit without our presence this time. However, we present a glimpse of what we envisioned as the opening night address.
Welcome to the World Economic Forum!
Welcome to the World Economic Forum! We hope you can find some value here, despite the self-satisfied agendas that may underline the discussions.
This year’s theme, “Resilient Dynamism,” begs the question—what does the combination of these terms really signify?
As explained by W. Lee Howell, managing director of the World Economic Forum, resilience is essential in our interconnected world, where no single entity can tackle global challenges alone. It involves the ability to adjust to evolving political and economic climates while persisting towards critical objectives and recovering from unexpected shocks. At the same time, today’s pressing challenges necessitate dynamism—bold vision and even bolder actions are needed to overcome the ongoing economic malaise.
This chatter serves as a reminder to take everything you hear here with a grain of salt.
As for the advanced speakers you’ll encounter, let us introduce a few notable names.
Davos Polka Dance
First off, a warm welcome to Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, who will discuss The Global Financial Context. While here, you might engage him, but avoid discussing his presentation.
Instead, consider probing Dimon about the $6 billion loss his bank experienced last year due to the infamous “London Whale” derivatives incident. Naturally, this won’t find its way into his talk, as it might be a tad embarrassing, yet it warrants a discussion.
Next, let us extend a friendly welcome to Wolfgang Schäuble, Germany’s Federal Minister of Finance. He will lead the conversation on The Global Economic Outlook. It might be worth asking him about the recent decision to repatriate its gold from the U.S. and France amid potential currency crises.
Does this imply a loss of faith in the global economic framework and the European Monetary Union? How does this affect Germany’s confidence in the Federal Reserve, Mr. Schäuble?
Of course, we must also acknowledge Columbia University’s Professor Joseph Stiglitz, who will appear at multiple sessions such as Closing Critical Inequality Gaps and Creating Economic Dynamism.
Perhaps someone could inquire of Stiglitz, a New-Keynesian, why the government spending has not led to the prosperity he predicted. Could it be due to insufficient spending?
These represent only a handful of speakers you will encounter; for the full lineup, refer to your program for the complete cast. We also want to highlight a few key discussion themes:
- “NGOs as New Models for the 21st Century.” Let’s hope these aren’t a passing trend. Have you ever conversed with someone from an NGO? It’s more exasperating than chatting with a Santa Monica street activist.
- “Unemployed or Unemployable?” Is this even a yes/no question?
- “Is Religion Outdated in the 21st Century?” From our perspective, religion seems to be thriving; it’s the welfare state that’s overstayed its welcome.
- “War Against Obesity – Fat Invoice?” Is being overweight now illegal?
For those unaware, these themes underline the World Economic Forum’s commitment “to improving the state of the world.”
Finally, don’t be alarmed by the gathering of protesters outside—it’s an annual occurrence. Last year, some women even bared it all in protest.
Let the polka dance commence!
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
