What came out of Davos

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 Lipavsky, 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 $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. ET

Every 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 Demand

Are 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, created to deal with American competition with China. Watch the conversation now.?

10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024

On Demand

With 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?

(A) Construction workers

(B) Hospitality and tourism workers

(C) Finance professionals

(D) Truckers

You can find the answer to this question and learn more at the end of this email.

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.