Front Burner

Why conspiracies surround the World Economic Forum

Since the start of the pandemic, the World Economic Forum and its annual summit in Davos have become the subjects of an increasingly complex web of conspiracy theories. Journalist Justin Ling joins us to unpack them and examine their potential consequences.
Demonstrators in Montreal protest measures implemented by the Quebec government to help stop the spread of COVID-19 on Dec. 20, 2020. One protester holds a sign referring to the 'Great Reset' conspiracy theory, which initially stemmed from an idea proposed by the World Economic Forum. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

The World Economic Forum, and its annual summit for the rich and powerful in Davos, Switzerland, have long been targeted by criticism from the left. But since the start of the pandemic, the forum has become a huge concern for many people on the right, including those who view the WEF as shadowy puppet masters at the centre of a complex web of conspiracy theories.

Today, journalist Justin Ling — host of the CBC podcasts The Flame Throwers and The Village — joins us to unpack many of those conspiracy theories, and examine the potential consequences of mainstream Canadian politicians amplifying suspicions about the organization.

 

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