Thousands of police and troops will guard the world's business and political elite in the Swiss resort of Davos this week in what is expected to a quieter World Economic Forum (WEF) summit than in recent years.
The annual meeting of the WEF from January 21-25th is expected to attract anti-capitalist protests and various groups who see the forum as a "fat cat" cabal.
The meeting will allow around 31 heads of state to mingle with chief executives from roughly one-third of the world's largest companies.
Unlike in 2001, police say they would have allowed demonstrations at the ski resort but that there had been no requests to register an official protest march. In 2000, thousands of anti-free trade demonstrators rampaged through Davos, smashing shop windows and car windscreens.
Among the key figures due in Davos are US Vice President Mr Dick Cheney, US Attorney General Mr John Ashcroft and Iranian President Mr Mohammad Khatami.
Attempting to take the wind out of protesters' sails, the organisers of the forum - whose theme this year is "Security and Prosperity" - are co-sponsoring alternative talks that run parallel to the actual meeting.
The Open Forum Davos is organised by church, non-governmental and non-profit groups together with the WEF. It will also welcome the former prersident of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson.