Discretionary Governance

Abstract Built on the exclusive funding of 1,000 large transnational corporations, World Economic Forum is a not-for-profit Swiss foundation, aiming to shape direction globalization. Its events are characterized by low degrees formality and transparency. Research what this organization does scarce. This article suggests term discretionary governance capture precarious, yet existing, social order that shapes. By governance, we mean set discreet practices based organization’s judgement in ways escape established democratic controls. Drawing ethnographic data paper demonstrates how selection, secrecy, status form key components tenuous ordering. Selection processes secrecy contribute elevation individuals organizations chosen participate. Upon them itself bestowed symbolic capital practical possibly profitable world global governance.