Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe by Niall Ferguson review
(Evening Standard) – From plagues and volcanic eruptions to the current Covid pandemic, mankind has always been faced with catastrophes.
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Peter Goodman: AI and Big Tech Take Center Stage at Davos
The World Economic Forum is now dominated by global technology companies whose interests shunt aside most others.
In a reported piece from The New York Times, journalist Peter Goodman captures how the World Economic Forum in Davos has shifted from a forum centered on global problem-solving to one dominated by technology, capital, and deal-making. While discussions on climate change, refugees, and public health still exist, they have been pushed to the margins as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the profit potential of new technologies command the spotlight. The visual contrast along Davos’s main promenade—packed AI and tech activations alongside nearly empty spaces devoted to social initiatives—underscores how priorities have changed.
Goodman also highlights how politics and power intersected with this year’s event, particularly around the anticipated arrival of President Trump and tensions between the U.S. and Europe over trade, security, and global norms. European leaders voiced concern over tariffs, Ukraine, and democratic values, but those conversations unfolded largely away from the main stages. In contrast, U.S. corporate and tech leaders appeared energized, viewing political disruption less as a threat than as an opportunity for deregulation and growth.
The article ultimately portrays Davos as a clearer reflection of today’s global order: a gathering where technology giants and corporate leaders set the tone, moral aspirations take a back seat to market momentum, and the World Economic Forum’s long-standing idealism has given way to a more unapologetically business-first agenda.
Visit The New York Times to read Peter Goodman’s full coverage of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Peter S. Goodman is a standout keynote speaker on global economics, trade policy, and financial markets, known for his ability to translate complex economic shifts into clear, compelling narratives. Goodman offers a vital perspective on the geopolitical and economic consequences of policy chaos, making him an essential voice for audiences seeking to understand the fragility of markets in an age of uncertainty. His speaking engagements are managed exclusively by WWSG. To host him for your events, contact us.
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