The West, the BRICs and the rest: a global agenda for the transatlantic economy

The Aspen Dialogue on World Economy, each year, reflects on prevalent trends both in the medium and long term. In 2005, the conference took place just one day after the tragic terrorist attacks in London. Participants, thus, focussed on the pressures weighing down on Western economies both from the uncertainties and insecurities inspired by renewed violent international terrorism, and from the emergence of important new players on the international scene (specifically China, India, Russia and Brazil). Discussion also touched on changes on the world’s energy map, especially with the arrival of China and India and the empowerment of Saudi Arabia and Russia. On the second day, participants considered the rise of Asian economies and likely consequences for Latin America, given serious past difficulties in the region. Brazil, in particular, is growing fast, and even Argentina seems to be turning around. Venezuela’s situation remains complicated, and regional energy balances depend on resolution there.