The summit in Davos

Analysis: Divided world scares the meeting in Davos  

 

Mingling politicians and celebrities at the World Economic Forum conference in Davos have a lot of big questions to deal with, according to Sky News' Ed Conway. 

 

In an analysis, he writes that the delegates' livelihood depends on free trade, which is now under threat. One reason for that is the Huthi rebels' attacks in the Red Sea, writes Conway, who wonders what happens if global shipping becomes so dangerous that it stops altogether.  

 

"Those kinds of questions are scary for those in Davos, in large part because they've been able to take free trade for granted for so long." 

 

DN's Carl Johan von Seth writes that the economy dominated the conference for a long time, but that it is now overshadowed by geopolitical issues. 

 

And it is not about the positive aspects of politics, but about competition between great powers, he writes. von Seth sees a new axis being consolidated through North Korea, China, Russia and Iran. 

 

"The friction against the West will characterize the world for a long time to come." 

 

.............................................................

 

The horror scenario: Disease 20 times more deadly than covid  

 

When the world leaders meet in Davos this week, they will, among other things, discuss the risk of disease X – a new pandemic 20 times deadlier than covid, The Independent reports. Disease X is a name for a potential new disease and is used to discuss future scenarios. 

 

In Davos, WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will lead a panel discussion on how healthcare can be strengthened in the near future. The horror scenario is a significantly deadlier pandemic than the last one.  

 

The researchers do not know what type of disease X will be. It could be a new coronavirus or a new flu. One problem is wildlife food markets where barriers between people and animals disappear, infectious disease doctor Thomas Russo told The Independent, adding: 

 

 - It could also be a completely new infectious agent that is unknown to us today.