“The new global context”, whatever that means, is the theme of this year’s World Economic Forum meeting, which starts today and runs for four days in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. Over 40 heads of state or government (from Angela Merkel to Jacob Zuma), 1,500 chief executives and a smattering of academics and NGO leaders will attend. Terrorism, geopolitical instability and cyber-security top the agenda, plus the slump in the oil price, the slowing of China’s economy and renewed fears about the euro. Deals will be struck in side meetings. And over fondue and fine wine, Davos Man (at least 80% of participants are men) will be spotting celebrities (Pharrell Willliams, anyone?) and grumbling (though not so loudly they won’t be invited back) about the soaring price of attendance: sending a chief executive to the Alps costs at least $200,000.