The history of the global economy as told through inscrutable Davos themes

There’s a metaphor in there somewhere.
There’s a metaphor in there somewhere.
Image: AP Photo / Anja Niedringhaus
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The theme of this year’s annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos is “Resilient Dynamism.” We’re not sure what it means, either. But that prompted us to look back at prior Davos themes, and it turns out they tell the entire history of the global economy since 2003—as viewed through a certain rarified lens. Presented here without comment…

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: Shaping New Models


2013:

Resilient Dynamism