Future of Capitalism | Semafor World Economy 2026

The future of capitalism and the shifting global economic landscape take center stage as industry leaders and policymakers analyze the intersection of geopolitical tension, technological disruption, and corporate responsibility. Hank Paulson characterizes the U.S.-China relationship as one of "mutually assured economic disruption," emphasizing that stability relies on the high cost of escalation rather than mutual trust. Meanwhile, the rapid integration of AI into corporate operations forces a re-evaluation of the social contract between employers and employees, with data suggesting that while corporate leaders focus on productivity and ROI, the public remains deeply anxious about job security and the erosion of the career ladder. Amidst these challenges, the transition to sustainable energy and the necessity of maintaining trust through transparency emerge as critical imperatives for businesses seeking to navigate an era of accelerating complexity and geopolitical instability.