Decline of Populism: A Cause for Celebration in Davos

Populism Is Waning, Which Is Reason to Party in Davos<br />"The global economy looks to be on a solid footing, with global growth in 2018 expected to be the fastest since 2011." For Davos participants, who tend to enjoy a self-congratulatory worry about sub-Saharan Africa in between mindfulness training, a simulation of life as a Syrian refugee<br />and an economic rationale for low taxes, these are comforting times to be alive.<br />But this year the champagne may be flowing even more freely than usual in the Swiss Alps resort of Davos, owing to a turn in the global situation pleasing<br />to the sorts of people who make the annual pilgrimage — heads of state, corporate chieftains and those who manage extraordinary piles of money.<br />The China trade war Mr. Trump has long promised could become reality as he grows<br />frustrated with Beijing’s reluctance to deny North Korea access to fuel.<br />From inside the World Economic Forum, which starts on Tuesday, these events seemed part of the<br />same storm system, one energized by anger in many major economies over widening income gaps.<br />22, 2018<br />LONDON — The World Economic Forum has never suffered from a lack of extravagance.<br />Though Europe appears far stronger than it did a year ago, a looming election in Italy could elevate the Five Star movement, a party<br />that has been skeptical of the euro and the European Union.