The idea that the World Economic Forum (WEF), and in particular its now-octogenarian founder Klaus Schwab, is the hidden force behind many (most?) countries' economies and political machines is a weird one, but perhaps no weirder than many another conspiracy theory espoused by far-right/QAnon types.
WEF is best known for its annual economic schmooze-fest in Davis, Switzerland, where the great and the good (and the rich - entry fees are pitched exorbitantly high) rub shoulders with economists and policy wonks. But its stated mission is "improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas".
The WEF conspiracy theory is not only to be found in deepest, darkest Alabama and Idaho, though; it's alive and well here in Canada. Some Conservatives (not Conservative MPs, to be fair, although Pierre Poilievre is not above making veiled hints about it) truly believe that old Mr. Schwab is actually the real mover and shaker in Canada, and Justin Trudeau is just a fake figurehead for the sake of respectability. There seems to be some confusion over the WEF designation of "Young Global Leaders" (several ministers in the Trudeau cabinet have been so designated, as have a few Conservative MPs) and being labelled as such is deeply suspicious in the eyes of some conspiracists.
There again, many of them also believe that Schwab, Bill Gates and George Soros between them have control over the whole world within their sights. Some believe that WEF created the pandemic, and/or is using it to control people through vaccinations, microchips, etc. They tweet about the "One World Order" and the "Great Reset" in relation to WEF with gay abandon.
I don't think this is a mainstream movement, at least not in Canada, but it's always concerning when people believe things for no apparent reason (and even more so when they start trying to persuade others of it).
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