Davos Agenda: War, Trade, China and Uncertainty Over President Trump

World leaders, business executives and civil-society figures are gathering in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum’s 56th annual meeting, where attention is expected to focus on President Trump, who plans to attend with a large delegation including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East.

According to U.S. and European analysts and former policymakers interviewed ahead of the event, discussion topics are likely to include Russia’s war in Ukraine, prospects for global trade and markets, the probability of China invading Taiwan and risks of a Middle East flare-up tied to the recent uprising in Iran, where tens of thousands have protested and hundreds, perhaps thousands, have been killed.

François Hollande said, “If Iran were to become a secure and democratic country, that would change everything in the region,” and added that Mr. Trump “does not wage war. He uses the threat of force, but he limits the actual use of force.” Several experts warned of broader risks tied to U.S.

policy. A new Eurasia Group report identified the United States as “the principal source of global risk in 2026,” Ian Bremmer said, arguing the country is less willing to lead on postwar institutions. On trade, Robert Zoellick predicted Mr. Trump will continue to use tariffs — after last year’s emergency powers to impose tariffs on imports from more than 100 countries — and noted the U.S.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, Wef, Davos, Russia Ukraine War, Iran Uprising