Donald Trump arrives in Davos this week with the largest US delegation ever assembled for the World Economic Forum (WEF), setting the stage for a tense gathering amid tariff threats, geopolitical instability and a visible pushback from Europe and multilateral institutions.
The 56th annual meeting of the WEF in Davos ( January 19–23) will centre on high-level discussions under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” bringing together almost 3,000 participants from government, business, civil society, academia and the arts to debate the most pressing global challenges and opportunities.
The theme of this year’s meeting, “A spirit of dialogue”, appears sharply at odds with the global mood. Over the past year, Trump’s second presidency has accelerated the erosion of the rules-based international order. Davos, long positioned as a platform for consensus-building, now finds itself hosting open confrontation.
The size and seniority of the US delegation signal Washington’s intent to dominate discussions, even as its policies unsettle allies. His latest warning to impose punitive tariffs on European allies, unless they support US moves to annex Greenland, has triggered emergency consultations among EU diplomats ahead of the summit.
Trump’s recent actions, including military intervention in Venezuela, threats against Iran and remarks suggesting Ukraine is less committed to peace than Russia, have alarmed partners across Europe and beyond.
The WEF remains a magnet for power. More than 60 heads of government, 55 finance and economy ministers and over 800 corporate chiefs are expected. Attendance, however, comes at a high cost, reinforcing criticism that Davos reflects elite interests more than global realities.
The World Economic Forum is an international organisation founded in 1971 by German economist Klaus Schwab. It was created to bring together business leaders, policymakers and academics to discuss global economic challenges. Its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, has since become one of the world’s most influential networking events. While no formal decisions are taken, the forum is known for shaping global agendas, encouraging public-private partnerships and hosting behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Critics argue it lacks accountability, but supporters say its unique mix of power and access still makes Davos a key venue in global affairs.
The WEF holds its famous annual meeting in the Swiss mountain resort in the Alps, typically in January. The resort is known for its high-security, transformed setting for the event, where leaders discuss global challenges.
Over the course of this week there will be plenary sessions and workshops focused on cooperation in a contested geopolitical landscape, unlocking new sources of growth, investing in people, deploying innovation responsibly and building prosperity
A recent WEF survey of global leaders identified geo-economic confrontation as the biggest risk over the next two years. This year’s meeting marks a transition. For the first time in over five decades, WEF founder Klaus Schwab will not be present, following his departure from the board last year. As the world gathers without “Mr Davos”, questions linger over whether the forum can still shape outcomes, or whether it has become a stage where global fractures are merely on display.
