The financial and economic crisis that has struck the global economy since last year's meeting is, in one sense, ideal for Davos. The attendees can this year be sure there is a reason for being there apart from catching up with others, broadening the mind, and skiing.
The event thrives on conflict because it brings powerful people together and prods them to solve problems. Some of its most important moments, such as the 1988 “Davos declaration” that avoided war between Greece and Turkey, have emerged out of crisis.
Conversely, when things are going as well as they seemed to be in the past few years, Davos struggles to avoid a note of self-congratulation and to avoid degenerating into a well-meaning talking shop.