The World Economic Forum gathers in Davos, Switzerland each January, where heads of state, activists, academics, celebrities, and more discuss the state of the world. 

If that sounds lofty, that's because it is. Sometimes the proceedings can seem intimidating or out-of-touch. But amid all the opinions and data flying around, a picture of the world and all its complications, the good and the bad, emerges.

Maybe the biggest takeaway of this year's Davos has been the bold pronouncements of China's president Xi Jinping in favor of globalization, a harbinger that China is ready to supplant the US in terms of worldwide influence if US president-elect Donald Trump recedes from the global stage. 

"We must remain committed to promoting free trade and investment through opening up and say no to protectionism," Xi said at Davos on Tuesday. "Pursuing protectionism is like locking oneself in a dark room. While wind and rain may be kept outside, so are light and air."

Iam Bremmer, founder of Eurasia Group, has been keeping track of the best Davos insights.

Here are 11 other takeaways from the week: 

The World Is Lopsided

Poverty Can End

The Next Global Leaders?

Inequality Is a Global Problem

Refugees Are Not Welcome Everywhere

Turmoil in the Middle East

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China's Set to Take Over the World, and 5 Other Takeaways From Davos

By Joe McCarthy