Davos 2024: A.I. and Populism Take Center Stage, While Wars in Ukraine and Gaza Fade into the Background
Davos, Switzerland – Each day this week has brought a new and fleeting reminder to the executives and politicians at the annual World Economic Forum meeting of the two wars threatening global security and clouding the economy. Ukraine’s president spoke on Tuesday. Israel’s spoke on Thursday.
Neither was able to hold the collective attention of a gathering that this year has focused overwhelmingly on artificial intelligence and populist politics.
Gaza and Ukraine have made daily appearances on the public agenda in Davos, along with climate change and economic inequality. But in the warm halls and slushy streets around town, conversations almost inevitably turn to the two accelerating trends that are destabilizing business models and democracies.
Everyone wants to talk about how A.I. and this year’s elections, especially in the United States, could shake up the world. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel led by Hamas or the ensuing Israeli bombing of Gaza? Drowned out in comparison.
A.I.: The Double-Edged Sword
“The war in Ukraine is a tragedy, but it’s not a surprise,” said Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. “We’ve been warning about the risks of nationalism and militarism for years.”
But even Schwab admits that the war in Ukraine has taken a back seat to other issues at Davos this year. “It’s not that people don’t care,” he said. “It’s just that they’re focused on the things that they think they can do something about.”
And that, for many people, means artificial intelligence.
A.I. is already being used in a variety of ways to improve our lives, from self-driving cars to medical diagnosis. And experts say that we’re only scratching the surface of what A.I. is capable of.
“A.I. is going to change everything,” said Andrew Ng, a computer scientist and the founder of the Google Brain project. “It’s going to change the way we work, the way we live, and the way we interact with the world around us.”
But not everyone is so optimistic about A.I. Some experts worry that it could lead to job losses, inequality, and even war.
“A.I. is a powerful tool, and it’s important that we use it responsibly,” said Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. “If we don’t, it could have devastating consequences.”
Populism: A Growing Force
Populism is another major concern for attendees at Davos this year. Populist movements are on the rise around the world, and they’re challenging the status quo in politics and economics.
“Populism is a dangerous trend,” said Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank. “It’s based on fear and resentment, and it can lead to violence and instability.”
But others argue that populism is a necessary response to the failures of the political establishment.
“People are angry, and they’re looking for someone to blame,” said Yanis Varoufakis, a former Greek finance minister. “Populist leaders offer them a scapegoat, and they promise to make things better.”
Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
The rise of populism and the potential impact of A.I. are just two of the many challenges facing the world today. At the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, leaders from around the globe are trying to find ways to address these challenges and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.