But that inter-play between geo-politics and business -- during the best and worst of times -- is what keeps the forum relevant.

CNN: Defterios: What I've seen in 20 years at the Magic Mountain

On 15 May 2012, as MPs continued debating the Queen's Speech, focusing on foreign affairs and international development, the Labour spokesman accused ministers of complacency in the face of the current "profound reordering of geo-economics and potentially geo-politics".

BBC: Alexander lambasts 'imperial delusion' of coalition

On the bigger geo-diplomacy - driving an EU member state into the arms of the Russians and sending a big sub-textual signal to other states close to Russia - it just begins to look like the Germans cannot do geo-politics.

BBC: Cypriot bank worker with placard