Alasdair RossModerator & The World Ahead Countries Editor
At The Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU, Alasdair Ross has long experience in editorial responsibility for Risk Briefing and a range of publications on themes of global interest. His experience and responsibilities give him a strong insight into global economic and political trends, their implications for multinational corporations, and the strategies those companies use for managing risk. He brings these insights to high-level audiences around the world in an engaging and stimulating manner, bringing complex issues to life in bright and straightforward language.
Alasdair is a psychology graduate and has a master's degree in economics.
Tom StandageDeputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026
Tom Standage, joined The Economist as science correspondent in 1998 and was subsequently appointed technology editor, business editor and digital editor. He is the author of seven history books, including “Writing on the Wall” (2013), “The Victorian Internet” (1998) and “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” (2005). He studied engineering and computing at Oxford University and has written for other publications including the New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Wired, taking a particular interest in technology’s cultural and historical significance.
Ebba BuschDeputy Prime Minister & Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden
Ebba Busch is one of Sweden’s most prominent political leaders and serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry. As party leader of the Christian Democrats since 2015, she has been a key figure in shaping Sweden’s energy transition, industrial policy, and competitiveness agenda. Known for her clear communication and pragmatic leadership, Busch plays a central role in advancing collaboration between government and industry to strengthen Sweden’s position in a changing global economy.
Joakim PaasikiviSenior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling
Joakim Paasikivi is a Military expert and Senior geopolitical advisor at Mannheimer Swartling. A former lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Armed Forces, he became widely known to the public during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when he frequently appeared in Swedish media to analyze and comment on the war. Paasikivi has served in both Sweden and Finland and held several senior positions in military intelligence and security. He previously taught military strategy at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm and has also lectured at the Baltic Defence College in Estonia.
Johan NorbergHistorian & Author "Peak Human"
Johan Norberg is senior fellow at the Cato Institute, an internationally recognized writer on globalization, progress, and ideas. He is the author and editor of more than 20 books, translated into over 30 languages. His works include In Defense of Global Capitalism, Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future (Economist Book of the Year, 2016) and Open: The Story of Human Progress (Economist Book of the Year, 2020) and Peak Human (2025)
Anna WieslanderDirector for Northern Europe & Head of the Stockholm Office Atlantic Council
Anna Wieslander chairs the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) and serves as Secretary General of the Swedish Defence Association. Dr. Wieslander is a lifetime member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences and the Swedish Society for International Affairs, an Adjunct Professor at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and a member of both the Alphen Group and RUSI’s European Security Advisory Group.
Samantha JobHis Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden
Her Excellency Samantha Job CMG MVO appointed British Ambassador to Sweden in September 2024. Prior to her current role, she was Director of Defence and International Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from 2019 to 2022.
Anders MadsenManaging Director & Senior Partner, BCG Sweden
Anders Madsen is Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group in Stockholm, where he leads the Swedish office. He specializes in large-scale transformations, digital strategy, post-merger integrations, and decarbonization initiatives across industries including automotive, process industries, transport, and logistics. Anders holds an M.Sc. in Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark.
Ruth Kvarnström-JonesAuthor & Historian
Ruth Kvarnström-Jones is a British-Swedish author and historian, celebrated for her compelling narratives that illuminate the lives of pioneering women in Swedish history. Drawing from her background as a copywriter, Ruth crafts richly detailed stories that blend historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
Her acclaimed works include: De fenomenala fruntimren på Grand Hôtel, Väninnorna på Nordiska Kompaniet & Halleholm series.
