Recent economic history as told through meaningless Davos themes

It’s a metaphor.
It’s a metaphor.
Image: Reuters/Ruben Sprich
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Here’s the official theme of this year’s World Economic Forum, which begins today in Davos: “The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics, and Business.” As Davoisms go, that one is less meaningless than most.

In a way, looking back at previous Davos themes offers a history of the global economy as viewed through the lens of a certain crowd…

2003:

 Building Trust


2004:

 Partnering for Security and Prosperity


2005:

 Taking Responsibility for Tough Choices


2006:

 The Creative Imperative


2007:

 The Shifting Power Equation


2008:

 The Power of Collaborative Innovation


2009:

 Shaping the Post-Crisis World


2010:

 Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild


2011:

 Shared Norms for the New Reality


2012:

 The Great Transformation


2013:

 Resilient Dynamism


2014:

The Reshaping of the World