The Globalist — February 2, 2026

Host: Georgina Godwin (Monocle)
Main Topics: International diplomacy updates (Russia/Ukraine/US), Keir Starmer's East Asia trip, World Government Summit in Dubai, European headlines, Grammy Awards recap, fashion and haute couture, classic car culture in Switzerland, and interviews with notable figures.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a sweeping survey of crucial global and cultural stories. Anchored by analysis of the latest diplomatic maneuverings around the Russia-Ukraine conflict—including postponed trilateral talks—the episode moves across continents to profile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Japan, previews Dubai’s World Government Summit, explores Paris’s current political and cultural headlines, recaps the Grammy Awards, and spotlights figures from architect Norman Foster to musician Sofiane Palmar and insights from the world of haute couture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diplomatic Talks: Russia–Ukraine–US Negotiations

Guest: Charles Hecker, Associate Fellow, RUSI
[04:30–11:37]

• Trilateral Talks Postponed:
  The much-anticipated Russia–Ukraine–US trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi has been postponed, raising caution about over-optimism for near-term progress.

  "We have to really inject an element of caution and manage how optimistic we get about these talks." — Charles Hecker [04:36]

• Business vs. Diplomatic Agendas:
  Recent meetings in Florida (US, Russia) excluded Ukraine and focused predominantly on business interests—energy, metals, mining.

  "These are not diplomatic or military negotiations, these are business conversations." — Charles Hecker [05:21]

• Ukraine's Exclusion:
  Ukraine remains sidelined in several discussions, their demands far beyond Russia’s willingness to compromise.

  "Ukraine’s point of view in all of this has yet to be seriously taken into consideration." — Charles Hecker [06:09]

• Sticking Points:
  Main obstacles remain territory, security guarantees, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant—none closer to resolution.

  “Nonexistent room for compromise on security guarantees… We still don't have agreement on the disposition of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.” — Charles Hecker [07:53]

• Russian Business Overtures:
  Ongoing “economic panel” talks (sans Ukraine) pitch the return of US companies to strategic Russian sectors, emphasizing risk tolerance and possible US government backstops.

  "Dmitriev's job is to seduce the American business community...if only American businesses were to come back." — Charles Hecker [09:48]

• Escalating Conflict:
  As talks stall, Russia intensifies attacks, including targeting energy infrastructure and hospitals.

  “Russia thinks that it's winning this war and is going to continue to push on. And it is typical for Russia to step up its attacks in the run up to negotiations.” — Charles Hecker [10:57]

2. Keir Starmer in Japan: UK–Japan Relations

Guest: Fiona Wilson, Tokyo Bureau Chief, Monocle
[11:37–18:07]

• Starmer–Takaichi Summit:
  UK PM Keir Starmer and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met for a brief but symbolically strategic session (20 min), emphasizing strong bilateral relations.

  “They both said very nice things about each other...all the right noises about, you know, free and open Indo Pacific.” — Fiona Wilson [13:03]

• Election Context:
  Takaichi faces a domestic election, enhancing her diplomatic visibility with global leaders as ‘soft power’.

  "It helps Takaichi, absolutely, right now...she's proved to be quite a good player on the international stage." — Fiona Wilson [16:38]

• Trade & Defense:
  No major deals, but progress noted in joint cybersecurity, energy cooperation, and their ongoing fighter jet program with Italy.

  “They did talk about economic cooperation, this fighter jet program...a lot of positive noises.” — Fiona Wilson [13:34]

• Strategic Realignment:
  Japan sees growing importance in alliances beyond the US and China ("middle countries" like UK, Canada) amid geopolitical uncertainty.

  "Countries, middle countries, as we're calling them at the moment, need to stick together and form their own agreements." — Fiona Wilson [14:54]

• China & Taiwan:
  Starmer wisely avoided direct commentary on Taiwan after Takaichi’s earlier controversial statements.

  "He absolutely did not [get drawn into Taiwan comments], and quite wise, as you can see...anyone watching would think, I will not be mentioning Taiwan." — Fiona Wilson [15:21]

• Post-Brexit Relationship:
  Brexit disrupted Japan’s view of the UK as a ‘soft landing’ in Europe but bonds remain strong.

  "What we're seeing is...moving forward. It's not a reset, didn't need to be reset, but it cements what was already a good relationship." — Fiona Wilson [17:28]

3. European Press Review & French Headlines

Guest: Anita Riota, Monocle Paris Producer
[19:17–29:47]

• French Political Tensions:
  France’s PM Le Cornue faces yet more no-confidence votes amid continued failure to pass the national budget.

  "This is just the latest chapter in a truly seemingly endless cycle to get through a budget that...has taken quite a few prime ministers down with it." — Anita Riota [19:44]

• Tech and Migration:
  Capgemini, French IT giant, to divest a US subsidiary after backlash over links to ICE immigration surveillance technologies.

  “It was an independent investigative report that only then...triggered this massive outcry.” — Anita Riota [23:14]

• Societal Debates:
  Public debate over France’s SNCF launching ‘child-free’ train carriages, sparking cultural concerns amidst declining birth rates.

  "It's triggered an enormous, enormous outcry...about whether France is becoming a kid unfriendly country." — Anita Riota [24:12]

• Cultural Scenes:
  Paris's Chinese New Year celebrations saw humanoid robots join dragons down the Champs Elysées.

  "Majestic, iconic, traditional street...being filled with dancing robots was certainly a sight to see." — Anita Riota [29:41]

4. Classic Cars and Design: ICE St. Moritz

Guest: Lord Norman Foster, Architect
Interviewer: Sophie Grove
[31:39–33:25]

• Classic Car Culture:
  Lord Foster celebrates the aesthetics and history of classic cars at the ICE concours event.

  “They're once described as rolling sculptures. And a great celebration here of, of that tradition.” — Lord Norman Foster [31:39]

• Personal Favorites:
  Praises the Talbot Lago (late 1930s, teardrop design) as an “emblematic, classic, timeless” show winner.

5. World Government Summit, Dubai

Guest: Inzamin Rashid, Monaco Gulf Correspondent
[33:25–39:36]

• Summit Overview:
  Largest ever edition: 150+ delegations, 35+ heads of state/government, 340 sessions.

  “It brings together world leaders, ministers, and people from all different backgrounds...to have very open and quite honest discussions.” — Inzamin Rashid [34:13]

• Gulf Diplomacy:
  UAE asserts itself as flexible global mediator, contrasting with Davos; tension evident with possible Saudi non-attendance as a subplot.

• Monocle Activities:
  Coverage includes Editor-in-Chief Andrew Tuck interviewing Waymo’s CEO (autonomous vehicles), Tom Edwards (radio), and pop-up Monocle Café.

6. Music & Culture: Rapper & Pianist Sofiane Palmar

Guest: Sofiane Palmar
Interviewer: Julia Webster Ayuso
[40:55–47:22]

• Record-Breaking Performance:
  First solo piano artist to sell out the Stade de France (90,000 seats).

  “I try to prove that I can do it with my piano as a voice.” — Sofiane Palmar [46:25]

• Blending Genres:
  Bridges classical, rap, pop (“music is a reflection of life itself”).

  “It's important to me to express freedom...to combine my music with other genres.” — Sofiane Palmar [41:40]

• On Recognition:
  Emphasizes the special weight of national honors over commercial awards.

  “This category is priceless...it gives you back something I have been stolen from...it means very, very, very a lot.” — Sofiane Palmar [43:07]

• Olympics Performance:
  Recounts the thrill and nerves of playing ‘Imagine’ on a flaming piano to open Paris 2024.

  “This is the most intense feeling...the final countdown. 10, 9, 8...then, boom, 1 billion people are watching.” — Sofiane Palmar [44:28]

7. Grammy Awards 2026 Recap

Guest: Kate Hutchinson, Music Journalist
[47:22–52:42]

• Historic Wins:
  Bad Bunny—first Spanish-language Album of the Year.

  “When he got up on stage...the first thing that he said...‘ICE out.’ That slogan was everywhere.” — Kate Hutchinson [48:20]

• Surprises & Snubs:
  Sabrina Carpenter and Chapel Roan among those shut out; K-pop breakthrough.

  “K Pop Demon Hunters took the award back for best song written for Visual Media for Golden.” — Kate Hutchinson [49:00]

• British Success:
  Brits win big: Lola Young, Youngblood (best rock), Olivia Dean (best new artist), FKA Twigs (best dance/electronic), The Cure (two awards).

  “There were lots of wins for British artists this year.” — Kate Hutchinson [49:26]

• Fashion & Spectacle:
  Highlights wild red carpet choices—from “romantic flouncy frills” to “striking topless outfit.”

  “If you haven't seen it…you might not want to look at it. It might make you spit your cornflakes out.”— Kate Hutchinson [51:08]

• Career Impacts:
  Olivia Dean cited as set for major breakthrough.

  “This was a really huge breakthrough moment for Olivia Dean. I think we're going to see her win hugely at the Brit Awards…” — Kate Hutchinson [52:06]

8. Haute Couture and Luxury Markets

Guest: Brenda Tuohy, Monocle Luxury Markets Editor
[53:45–59:00]

• Defining Haute Couture:
  Focus is on artistry, not profit—handmade, unique, typically for about 2,000 clients globally.

  “It’s really the culture of the fashion house...you have to create clothing by hand. So unique pieces of clothing, absolutely unique.” — Brenda Tuohy [54:12]

• Business Model:
  Though not widely profitable, haute couture shapes trends and feeds downstream product lines (ready-to-wear, perfumes).

  “Couture does set the tone for ready to wear, for high jewels, for fine jewels, for perfume. It really is the place of dreams.” — Brenda Tuohy [55:28]

• Haute Jewelry Shows:
  Describes the privilege of viewing “the crème de la crème,” noting bold Graff sapphire pieces as favorites.

Notable Quotes

• “Meetings that involve Witkoff, Jared Kushner...and Kirill Dmitriev...are not military negotiations, these are business conversations.” — Charles Hecker [05:21]

• “In 20 minutes, they were not looking for trouble at this meeting. It was very much about cementing the relationship and all smiles.” — Fiona Wilson [15:21]

• “You have to show twice a year in Paris...clothing by hand. Unique one offs...It’s like Champagne—haute couture is not for everybody.” — Brenda Tuohy [54:12]

• “I try to prove that I can do it with my piano as a voice.” — Sofiane Palmar [46:25]

• “Bad Bunny...won Album of the Year...when he got up on stage, the first thing that he said...‘ICE out.’” — Kate Hutchinson [48:20]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 04:30–11:37 | Charles Hecker: Russia–Ukraine–US Talks Analysis
• 11:37–18:07 | Fiona Wilson: Starmer in Japan and UK–Japan Relations
• 19:17–29:47 | Anita Riota: French Politics & Culture, Paris Headlines
• 31:39–33:25 | Norman Foster: Classic Cars & ICE St. Moritz
• 33:25–39:36 | Inzamin Rashid: World Government Summit Preview
• 40:55–47:22 | Sofiane Palmar: Interview—Piano, Rap, Stade de France
• 47:22–52:42 | Kate Hutchinson: Grammys 2026 Recap
• 53:45–59:00 | Brenda Tuohy: Haute Couture & High Jewelry in Paris

Tone and Style

The episode interweaves sharp international analysis, lively cultural reporting, and a slice of Monocle's signature cosmopolitan panache—humorous, informed, and urbane. Panelists and guests are candid, often wry, but always authoritative.

For more in-depth interviews, behind-the-headlines context, and on-the-ground global coverage, catch The Globalist weekdays on Monocle.