OVERHEARD AT DAVOS: Globalisation and capitalism are introduced to populism
Interminable results from CEOs; ‘Towards Better Capitalism’; PepsiCo’s words of wisdom — and Trump, it’s all in a week’s work, writes Tim Cohen
One of the big discussion points at Davos is how to deal with globalisation and improve capitalism. This is something of a surprise. Davos is notionally the pinnacle of capitalism, the place where the plutocrats of the world strut their stuff, rub shoulders with the worlds political leaders, and meet their mates from across the world and cut enormous deals. Yet the happy notion that globalisation and capitalism will naturally bring good to the world has been rocked by a host of things that weren’t supposed to happen. Some are obvious: the election of populist leaders such as US President Donald Trump and the rise of populist parties all over the world. Some are less obvious. The growth of world trade has stalled. For almost a decade now, the growth in international trade has more or less matched global economic growth. To the world’s growing contingent of anti-globalists, this is good news. Since the supporters of Trump, for example, haven’t felt the benefits of global trade themsel...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.