The World Ahead: 2027 with Tom Standage

Program Overview

As 2026 draws to a close, the world is entering another year shaped by rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainty, shifting economic forces, and evolving social trends. From the growing influence of artificial intelligence to changes in global politics and society, the developments taking shape today will have far-reaching implications in 2027 and beyond.

Each year, The Economist’s The World Ahead examines the trends, ideas, and events expected to define the coming year. Bringing together insights across politics, business, technology, and society, the annual series provides a forward-looking perspective on the forces reshaping the global landscape.

Join the World Affairs Council of Atlanta for a special WorldNow with Jim Falk conversation featuring Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist and editor of The World Ahead. Drawing on The Economist’s global reporting and analysis, Standage will share his predictions for 2027 and highlight the key developments to watch in the year ahead.

The conversation will explore emerging geopolitical challenges, technological developments, economic and societal shifts, and other trends likely to influence governments, businesses, and communities worldwide. As a new year approaches, this discussion offers an opportunity to look beyond today's headlines and consider what may be coming next.

Agenda

• 12:00–12:05 p.m.: Welcome and speaker introduction

• 12:05–12:35 p.m.: Moderated fireside dialogue with speaker

• 12:35–12:55 p.m.: Audience Q&A

• 12:55–1:00 p.m.: Closing remarks

Meet The Economist

Tom Standage is deputy editor of The Economist and editor of its future-focused annual, The World Ahead. He directs the publication’s digital strategy and development of new digital products and is the author of seven history books, including Writing on the Wall, The Victorian Internet, and A History of the World in 6 Glasses. Standage studied engineering and computing at Oxford University and has also written for publications including The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, and Wired.

Meet The Host

Jim Falk is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe and host of WorldNow with Jim Falk. He also produces and hosts The Forum, a weekly public affairs program on KSFR-FM, Santa Fe Community Radio. From 2001 to 2021, Falk served as President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, where he helped establish the organization as a leading forum for international affairs and public policy. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, he has interviewed diplomats, policymakers, intelligence officials, military leaders, scholars, journalists, and bestselling authors from around the world.

Through WorldNow and The Forum, he continues his commitment to fostering informed, civil dialogue on the international, political, social, and cultural issues shaping our world.