New Books in Economics

Peter S. Goodman, "Davos Man: How the Billionaire Class Devoured Democracy" (Custom House, 2022)

Feb 9, 2026
Peter S. Goodman, New York Times global economics correspondent and author, unpacks the rise of the billionaire class. He profiles representative ultra-wealthy figures and those left behind. The conversation covers how wealth concentration met COVID to accelerate inequality, the World Economic Forum’s role in legitimizing elites, and the limits of stakeholder capitalism.
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INSIGHT

Inequality Fueled Global Populism

  • The book links decades-long wealth concentration to the rise of right-wing populism around the world.
  • Peter S. Goodman argues that gradual, visible redistribution of wealth created political backlash and instability.
INSIGHT

Davos Man Defined

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ANECDOTE

Davos Panels Versus Real Solutions

  • At Davos 2017 Goodman observed panels promising solutions like wellness and upskilling instead of wealth redistribution.
  • He describes elites using the forum's moral veneer while avoiding structural reforms.
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