Financial TimesFinancial Times

Geopolitics threatens to destroy the world Davos made

By Gideon Rachman

15 Jan 2023 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

World Economic Forum delegates gather this week in Davos amid global geopolitical tensions. An author argues that a long period of peace and economic integration could be ending soon.

The Magic Mountain, Thomas Mann’s classic novel set in Davos against the backdrop of a deadly disease and an impending world war, was published almost a century ago.

But, as World Economic Forum delegates gather again in Davos this year, Mann’s world feels uncomfortably close to our own. The fear haunting the WEF is that a long period of peace, prosperity and global economic integration could be coming to a close — just as it did in 1914.

Sign in to informed

  • Curated articles from premium publishers, ad-free
  • Concise Daily Briefs with quick-read summaries
  • Read, listen, save for later, or enjoy offline
  • Enjoy personalized content
Or

LoginForm.agreeToTerms