Globalisation is the most powerful force of our age. It can bring great benefits and great uncertainties. It can enhance prosperity and increase insecurity. Dangerously, it can foster intense feelings of political powerlessness. Why should I bother to vote, people ask, if all the important decisions are taken in boardrooms in Tokyo, Beijing, New York or Frankfurt?

Powerlessness creates the conditions in which political extremism and populism thrive. So mainstream politicians have an urgent duty to explain how they can make sense of globalisation, and, where possible and necessary, temper it too.