There is now little question that the world economy is heading for a recession in 2020 as governments, correctly, adopt extreme measures to ‘flatten the Covid-19 curve’ such that it does not seriously breach the capacity of their health systems. The real issue now is what actions can be taken to ensure that the recession’s duration is limited and that the global economy does not slump into a depression. It’s going to require coordinated planning and implementation and, most importantly, international cooperation – but this is easier said than done in a world where populist administrations have gained ascendency.