The Globalist – Episode Summary

Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Emma Nelson
Podcast: The Globalist (Monocle Radio)
Main Theme: Tensions in the Middle East as Iran threatens retaliation against any US strikes, the evolving security dynamics of Greenland, luxury markets, and cultural currents in Paris and beyond.

Overview

This episode tackles urgent international developments, notably the threat of US military action against Iran amid regional evacuations and high-level diplomatic moves. It also explores wider geopolitical shifts, European security (including the US-Denmark-Greenland standoff), luxury industry trends, news highlights from Europe, and a vivid look at Paris’s thriving design and cultural sector.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. US-Iran Tensions & Middle East Evacuations

Timestamps: 01:13 – 11:32

Background: The US had signaled possible imminent strikes against Iran in response to reported executions of protesters. Military bases across the Gulf (notably Al Udeid Air Base in Doha) saw US and UK personnel evacuated in anticipation.
Recent Developments: President Trump decided—at least temporarily—against launching military strikes after Tehran claimed it would cease executions.
Uncertainty Remains: Analysts suggest US military action is still likely, but the exact timing is unclear.
Iran’s Calculus:
- Iran faces the most significant popular uprising since the 1979 revolution, driven by economic crisis and the currency collapse.
- Protester deaths are contested—human rights agencies cite around 3,000, while Iran disputes this.
Possible Retaliation Scenarios:
- Iran’s retaliation, if attacked, could target US bases in the UAE or Kuwait. Attacking Bahrain is seen as a "worst-case" due to proximity to civilians (08:25).
Diplomatic Dynamics:
- Trump’s exclusive Reuters interview suggested Iran’s clerical regime could collapse (08:51).
- Analysts and Inzaman Rashid observe that both sides are engaged in a "war of words."
- Potential for direct dialogue: “Some of the analysts…believe that a conversation between the Iranian regime and Donald Trump…could be something that’s not far off” (10:40).

Notable Quotes:

"…these protests are probably the biggest popular uprising against the Islamic Republic since it kicked off back in 1979…" – Inzaman Rashid (05:09)
"Trump has given an exclusive interview to Reuters and he has said openly there's a chance that Iran's clerical government could collapse…" – Emma Nelson (08:51)
"If [Iran] dials down their rhetoric of saying they're going to execute people…they know then the US will quieten down and there won't be a response that Donald Trump initially wanted to do." – Inzaman Rashid (09:55)

2. Greenland: US Ambitions and European Reactions

Timestamps: 11:32 – 18:22

Latest Talks: Post-White House meetings between Denmark, Greenland, and the US highlighted a “fundamental disagreement” — the US expresses interest in Greenland, while Denmark and Greenland strongly resist any notion of transfer of sovereignty.
Security Pretext: The US frames its interest as security-related, citing China/Russia threats, though Denmark denies any actual Chinese or Russian presence (13:37).
European Response:
- Significant troop movements by Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, and other NATO members into Greenland and nearby areas signal European resolve (14:42).
Could the US Invade?
- An attack would mean a NATO member invading another, seen as a seismic shift in world order (16:40).
- Greenlanders themselves are rallying around Danish protection and against US ambitions.
- Local opinion overwhelmingly favors remaining tied to Denmark.

Notable Quotes:

"We would be fundamentally shifting world order as we know it right now. Can the US military invade Greenland? …the might of the US army is quite considerable, so I'm sure they could. Now, what the response could be from others is very, very difficult to gauge." – Inga Thordar (16:40)

3. Global News Highlights

Timestamps: 01:42–03:11, 29:34–31:15

Ukraine: President Zelensky declares a state of emergency in the energy sector following relentless Russian air attacks.
Venezuela: Continued political thaw, with the release of journalists and detainees.
Rome: Enacts major speed limit reductions to cut pollution.
Japan: Stock market surges as PM Takechi prepares for a general election, riding high approval ratings (31:15–39:08).
- Japan’s corporate scene: Broad-based investment, M&A, and a "war for talent" spurring corporate restructuring.
- Geopolitical catalyst: Japan positioning for independence from both US and China.

Notable Quotes:

“For every 10 yen of yen weakness, profits in Japanese companies go up by about 8 percentage points.” – Jesper Cole (33:36)
"Now there's a sense of urgency because everybody, even Hitachi and Toyota…have to fight to retain their talents." – Jesper Cole (37:11)

4. Russia’s Eroding Influence

Timestamps: 20:06–23:14

Bloomberg Report: Russia’s allies (Venezuela, Syria, Iran, etc.) note Putin's absence during crises. Russia is less supportive practically and symbolically, perhaps preoccupied with Ukraine.
Perception: Russia once scored victories in global propaganda and Africa but now appears isolated and self-interested.

Notable Quotes:

“Russia is very much playing their own game here… fighting for survival, a place in this new world order.” – Julia Jenn (22:30)

5. Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

Timestamps: 23:14–26:27

Yulia Timoshenko, ex-Prime Minister, faces corruption allegations—caught buying votes from MPs. Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency uses headline-grabbing tactics, reflecting ongoing political struggles.

6. Luxury Markets: Discounting & New Rivals

Timestamps: 39:55–46:29

Luxury Industry Trends:
- Until recently, brands enjoyed “endless” price elasticity and hiked prices (40:18).
- Economic slowdown, especially in China, changes the dynamic: more unsold inventory, more discounting, even at brands where “we never go on sale” (41:04).
Emerging Competition:
- In China and the US, strong local competitors are gaining ground, offering more locally-inflected luxury products.
- In the US, brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach mount a resurgence, attracting younger consumers.
Winning Strategies: Brands like Hermès succeed by tightly controlling supply, resisting steep price hikes, and focusing on enduring quality.

Notable Quotes:

"A lot of people are turning towards local luxury brands who are interpreting what luxury can be in a different kind of way." – Adrienne Klaser (18:31; 42:19)
“Hermès…pushed prices up much more slowly. They've been very consistent and true to what they do, which is very high quality…” – Adrienne Klaser (45:39)

7. Paris Design and Cultural Scene

Timestamps: 46:29–56:25

Maison Objet & Paris Deco Off:
- Major design fairs attract international crowds (notably Americans) back to Paris, with local and imported brands presenting new work.
- Paris is seen as better organized logistically than Milan for design fairs and excels at showcasing local craftsmanship alongside world-class art.
- The textile sector—less headline-grabbing than furniture—offers instant and impactful home updates.
Tour Montparnasse Renovation:
- Renzo Piano tasked with overhauling Paris’s most infamous skyscraper, aiming to return vitality to the area (54:12).
Parisian Luxury & Art:
- The Cartier Foundation exemplifies the intersection of luxury, art, and culture.
- Paris has aggressively increased its share of the global art market, benefiting from Brexit.
French Bistros as Heritage:
- President Macron seeks UNESCO heritage status for bistros, which, despite their cultural significance, face decline from fast food and delivery trends.

Notable Quotes:

"Even mentioning the Tour de Montparnasse to Parisians, they'll sort of roll their eyes at you and say it's the biggest architectural mistake Paris ever made." – Claudia Jacob (54:36)
“He calls [bistros] the guardians of time.” – Claudia Jacob (58:02)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

On Iran Protests:
"What we're seeing in Iran right now is probably the biggest popular uprising against the Islamic Republic since it kicked off back in 1979…"
– Inzaman Rashid (05:09)
On US-Greenland Tensions:
"We would be fundamentally shifting world order as we know it right now. Can the US military invade Greenland?...what the response could be from others is very, very difficult to gauge."
– Inga Thordar (16:40)
On Local Luxury Brands:
"A lot of people are turning towards local luxury brands who are interpreting what luxury can be in a different kind of way."
– Adrienne Klaser (42:19)
On Japan's Economic Shift:
“…every 10 yen of yen weakness, profits in Japanese companies go up by about 8 percentage points.”
– Jesper Cole (33:36)

Key Timestamps for Fast Reference

01:13–11:32 – Iran/US/ME tensions
11:32–18:22 – Greenland security, US-Europe standoff
20:06–23:14 – Russia’s allies and shifting allegiances
23:14–26:27 – Ukraine political corruption
31:15–39:08 – Japan’s economic and political climate
39:55–46:29 – Luxury industry insights
46:29–53:50 – Paris design scene, Maison Objet
54:12–58:28 – Paris headlines, Tour Montparnasse, bistro heritage

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode combines on-the-ground urgency (from the Gulf and US-Iran brinkmanship) with in-depth, informed, and sometimes wryly humorous discussions on luxury, design, and global cultural trends. The host and guests maintain Monocle’s signature authoritative-yet-conversational style, offering insights that blend news, opinion, and analysis.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a comprehensive primer on the current state of international affairs, with Middle East uncertainty, Western military calculations, and global economic rebalancing. It also offers a glimpse of social and cultural undercurrents—from luxury’s pricing problems to Paris’s post-Brexit artistic resurgence and the everyday sanctity of the Parisian bistro.

If you want to understand the temperature of global politics, economics, and culture at the start of 2026, this installment of The Globalist is essential listening.

The Globalist – Episode Summary

Overview

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. US-Iran Tensions & Middle East Evacuations

Timestamps: 01:13 – 11:32

Background: The US had signaled possible imminent strikes against Iran in response to reported executions of protesters. Military bases across the Gulf (notably Al Udeid Air Base in Doha) saw US and UK personnel evacuated in anticipation.
Recent Developments: President Trump decided—at least temporarily—against launching military strikes after Tehran claimed it would cease executions.
Uncertainty Remains: Analysts suggest US military action is still likely, but the exact timing is unclear.
Iran’s Calculus:
- Iran faces the most significant popular uprising since the 1979 revolution, driven by economic crisis and the currency collapse.
- Protester deaths are contested—human rights agencies cite around 3,000, while Iran disputes this.
Possible Retaliation Scenarios:
- Iran’s retaliation, if attacked, could target US bases in the UAE or Kuwait. Attacking Bahrain is seen as a "worst-case" due to proximity to civilians (08:25).
Diplomatic Dynamics:
- Trump’s exclusive Reuters interview suggested Iran’s clerical regime could collapse (08:51).
- Analysts and Inzaman Rashid observe that both sides are engaged in a "war of words."
- Potential for direct dialogue: “Some of the analysts…believe that a conversation between the Iranian regime and Donald Trump…could be something that’s not far off” (10:40).

Notable Quotes:

"…these protests are probably the biggest popular uprising against the Islamic Republic since it kicked off back in 1979…" – Inzaman Rashid (05:09)
"Trump has given an exclusive interview to Reuters and he has said openly there's a chance that Iran's clerical government could collapse…" – Emma Nelson (08:51)
"If [Iran] dials down their rhetoric of saying they're going to execute people…they know then the US will quieten down and there won't be a response that Donald Trump initially wanted to do." – Inzaman Rashid (09:55)

2. Greenland: US Ambitions and European Reactions

Timestamps: 11:32 – 18:22

Latest Talks: Post-White House meetings between Denmark, Greenland, and the US highlighted a “fundamental disagreement” — the US expresses interest in Greenland, while Denmark and Greenland strongly resist any notion of transfer of sovereignty.
Security Pretext: The US frames its interest as security-related, citing China/Russia threats, though Denmark denies any actual Chinese or Russian presence (13:37).
European Response:
- Significant troop movements by Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, and other NATO members into Greenland and nearby areas signal European resolve (14:42).
Could the US Invade?
- An attack would mean a NATO member invading another, seen as a seismic shift in world order (16:40).
- Greenlanders themselves are rallying around Danish protection and against US ambitions.
- Local opinion overwhelmingly favors remaining tied to Denmark.

Notable Quotes:

"We would be fundamentally shifting world order as we know it right now. Can the US military invade Greenland? …the might of the US army is quite considerable, so I'm sure they could. Now, what the response could be from others is very, very difficult to gauge." – Inga Thordar (16:40)

3. Global News Highlights

Timestamps: 01:42–03:11, 29:34–31:15

Ukraine: President Zelensky declares a state of emergency in the energy sector following relentless Russian air attacks.
Venezuela: Continued political thaw, with the release of journalists and detainees.
Rome: Enacts major speed limit reductions to cut pollution.
Japan: Stock market surges as PM Takechi prepares for a general election, riding high approval ratings (31:15–39:08).
- Japan’s corporate scene: Broad-based investment, M&A, and a "war for talent" spurring corporate restructuring.
- Geopolitical catalyst: Japan positioning for independence from both US and China.

Notable Quotes:

“For every 10 yen of yen weakness, profits in Japanese companies go up by about 8 percentage points.” – Jesper Cole (33:36)
"Now there's a sense of urgency because everybody, even Hitachi and Toyota…have to fight to retain their talents." – Jesper Cole (37:11)

4. Russia’s Eroding Influence

Timestamps: 20:06–23:14

Bloomberg Report: Russia’s allies (Venezuela, Syria, Iran, etc.) note Putin's absence during crises. Russia is less supportive practically and symbolically, perhaps preoccupied with Ukraine.
Perception: Russia once scored victories in global propaganda and Africa but now appears isolated and self-interested.

Notable Quotes:

“Russia is very much playing their own game here… fighting for survival, a place in this new world order.” – Julia Jenn (22:30)

5. Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

Timestamps: 23:14–26:27

Yulia Timoshenko, ex-Prime Minister, faces corruption allegations—caught buying votes from MPs. Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency uses headline-grabbing tactics, reflecting ongoing political struggles.

6. Luxury Markets: Discounting & New Rivals

Timestamps: 39:55–46:29

Luxury Industry Trends:
- Until recently, brands enjoyed “endless” price elasticity and hiked prices (40:18).
- Economic slowdown, especially in China, changes the dynamic: more unsold inventory, more discounting, even at brands where “we never go on sale” (41:04).
Emerging Competition:
- In China and the US, strong local competitors are gaining ground, offering more locally-inflected luxury products.
- In the US, brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach mount a resurgence, attracting younger consumers.
Winning Strategies: Brands like Hermès succeed by tightly controlling supply, resisting steep price hikes, and focusing on enduring quality.

Notable Quotes:

"A lot of people are turning towards local luxury brands who are interpreting what luxury can be in a different kind of way." – Adrienne Klaser (18:31; 42:19)
“Hermès…pushed prices up much more slowly. They've been very consistent and true to what they do, which is very high quality…” – Adrienne Klaser (45:39)

7. Paris Design and Cultural Scene

Timestamps: 46:29–56:25

Maison Objet & Paris Deco Off:
- Major design fairs attract international crowds (notably Americans) back to Paris, with local and imported brands presenting new work.
- Paris is seen as better organized logistically than Milan for design fairs and excels at showcasing local craftsmanship alongside world-class art.
- The textile sector—less headline-grabbing than furniture—offers instant and impactful home updates.
Tour Montparnasse Renovation:
- Renzo Piano tasked with overhauling Paris’s most infamous skyscraper, aiming to return vitality to the area (54:12).
Parisian Luxury & Art:
- The Cartier Foundation exemplifies the intersection of luxury, art, and culture.
- Paris has aggressively increased its share of the global art market, benefiting from Brexit.
French Bistros as Heritage:
- President Macron seeks UNESCO heritage status for bistros, which, despite their cultural significance, face decline from fast food and delivery trends.

Notable Quotes:

"Even mentioning the Tour de Montparnasse to Parisians, they'll sort of roll their eyes at you and say it's the biggest architectural mistake Paris ever made." – Claudia Jacob (54:36)
“He calls [bistros] the guardians of time.” – Claudia Jacob (58:02)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

On Iran Protests:
"What we're seeing in Iran right now is probably the biggest popular uprising against the Islamic Republic since it kicked off back in 1979…"
– Inzaman Rashid (05:09)
On US-Greenland Tensions:
"We would be fundamentally shifting world order as we know it right now. Can the US military invade Greenland?...what the response could be from others is very, very difficult to gauge."
– Inga Thordar (16:40)
On Local Luxury Brands:
"A lot of people are turning towards local luxury brands who are interpreting what luxury can be in a different kind of way."
– Adrienne Klaser (42:19)
On Japan's Economic Shift:
“…every 10 yen of yen weakness, profits in Japanese companies go up by about 8 percentage points.”
– Jesper Cole (33:36)

Key Timestamps for Fast Reference

01:13–11:32 – Iran/US/ME tensions
11:32–18:22 – Greenland security, US-Europe standoff
20:06–23:14 – Russia’s allies and shifting allegiances
23:14–26:27 – Ukraine political corruption
31:15–39:08 – Japan’s economic and political climate
39:55–46:29 – Luxury industry insights
46:29–53:50 – Paris design scene, Maison Objet
54:12–58:28 – Paris headlines, Tour Montparnasse, bistro heritage

Tone & Atmosphere

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

If you want to understand the temperature of global politics, economics, and culture at the start of 2026, this installment of The Globalist is essential listening.

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Summary

The Globalist – Episode Summary

Overview

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. US-Iran Tensions & Middle East Evacuations

2. Greenland: US Ambitions and European Reactions

3. Global News Highlights

4. Russia’s Eroding Influence

5. Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

6. Luxury Markets: Discounting & New Rivals

7. Paris Design and Cultural Scene

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

Key Timestamps for Fast Reference

Tone & Atmosphere

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

Summary

The Globalist – Episode Summary

Overview

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. US-Iran Tensions & Middle East Evacuations

2. Greenland: US Ambitions and European Reactions

3. Global News Highlights

4. Russia’s Eroding Influence

5. Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

6. Luxury Markets: Discounting & New Rivals

7. Paris Design and Cultural Scene

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

Key Timestamps for Fast Reference

Tone & Atmosphere

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode