Aaron Welt
Columbia University
This year’s World Economic Forum, where the financial and political elite of the developed world come together to casually discuss international business developments, probably should not have been held. True, the proceedings were tinged with dismay and a precarious mood as the world’s “best and brightest” were left bereft of ideas of how to fix the mess they created. But with so many suffering from the decisions of capitalism’s leaders, it seemed almost callous to host a conference of fine food and luxurious living amidst the wreckage. Unsurprisingly, there were protests, which eventually turned violent. I am ambiguous as to whether or not I stand with the rioters, since violence is so often destructive to productive ends. Nevertheless, the riots in Geneva reveal the very real and understandable anger with the global financial system and its elite. If the World Economic Forum is to serve a purpose, besides patting the incompetent and myopic business decision-makers on the back, then next year’s summit should have a new batch of leaders who have not failed the citizens of the world so severely.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7863684.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/business/2009/davos/7862980.stm
