World Economic Outlook: Trade Wars and Uncertainty

Ten years after the "Great Recession" the world was recovering, although at different speeds in different parts of the world. When it seemed that growth was consolidating in most regions of the world some political changes increased uncertainty worldwide.

The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States led to a questioning of Free Trade as a critical element in economic growth and development, which constituted a fundamental basis of globalization in recent decades.

After some initial tensions between the United States and Mexico and other countries, the trade conflicts expanded to China and more recently to the European Union. At the same time the Brexit vote and geopolitical tensions have led to an increase in uncertainty, which is already being felt in most areas of the world.

This Master Class will present the current state of the economy in several regions and countries and will discuss the potential future implications of the changes that we are witnessing at the local and global environment.