The Globalist – Trump Convenes the Board of Peace

Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Emma Nelson (Monocle Radio), with Andrew Muller, Carlotta Rebello, Matt Wolfe & Guests

Episode Overview

This episode's central theme is the global shift in diplomacy, multilateralism, and geopolitics—anchored by the launch of Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" in Washington, intended as a new international body to address conflict zones like Gaza and, more broadly, rethink peacekeeping beyond traditional UN frameworks. The show also covers headlines on Sudan's civil war, the decline of global cooperation, urban news, European transport, theatre, and the Winter Olympics.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Donald Trump’s "Board of Peace": Purpose & Politics

[03:02–12:27]

Context

• Donald Trump, US President, convenes the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace—a body initially mooted as an instrument for Gaza reconstruction but now styled as a multi-conflict peace and stabilization platform.
• The USA pledges $10 billion; additional international promises total $7 billion, focusing on international stabilization and training forces.

Insights from Zizet Dakazali (Chatham House Associate Fellow, ex-UN Advisor)

• Board Origins: Launched as part of Trump's "20 Points Plan"; initially for Gaza, now much broader (03:24).
• Ceremony vs. Reality: "Yesterday was an inaugural meeting… more of a ceremonial meeting… a platform for President Trump to talk about his achievements… the reality paints a much more different picture." – Zizet Dakazali [03:24–04:41]
• Situation on the Ground: Gaza remains in crisis despite the so-called ceasefire; over 600 deaths since October, minimal humanitarian access, Israeli control persists over more than 53% of Gaza (04:43–05:48).
• Membership Politicking:
  • Included: Countries ideologically aligned with Trump (e.g., Argentina), Arab states joining specifically to address Gaza.
  • Excluded/Absent: France (objecting to expanded scope), others citing risks to UN authority; EU and Italy participated as observers (06:17–08:31).
• Relationship with UN: Confusion over whether the Board will cooperate with or supplant the UN. "It's unclear how the work with the UN is going to happen… I doubt that it will replace the United Nations." – Zizet Dakazali [09:16]
• Longevity & Legitimacy: Trump is "chairman for life" with an unlimited charter—"a million dollar question" whether it outlasts the Trump administration (10:35).
• New Era in Diplomacy: Reflecting on global shifts: "'There's a rupture at the moment… It's not a transition, it's rupture…a new reality… Diplomacy has not dead yet... it's how it's implemented now that raises questions.'" – Zizet Dakazali quoting Canadian central banker Mark Carney [11:24]

Notable Quotes

• "Big talk… a bit detached from the realities… we didn't even talk about the West Bank." – Zizet Dakazali [04:41]
• "Reforming the UN isn't replacing it with a different entity." – Zizet Dakazali [09:16]
• “Diplomacy has not dead yet… it remains a question given the transactional approach that is emerging now from the US.” – Zizet Dakazali [11:24]

2. Sudan’s Civil War: Any Hope for Peace?

[12:27–19:28]

Interview: Volka Pertez (Ex-UN Special Representative for Sudan)

• UN Role: "UNITAMS" arrived to assist Sudan’s democratic transition but was stymied by a 2021 coup, leading ultimately to civil war between the army (SAF) and paramilitary RSF (13:01).
• Looming Conflict: UN saw rising tensions, tried (unsuccessfully) to mediate until the eve of outbreak: "Both sides… promised us they will not take military action. Then we woke up the next morning and the shooting had started." – Volka Pertez [13:01–14:54]
• Current Dynamics: Parties (SAF and RSF) have entrenched territorial control. Increasingly, outside parties—especially the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE—apply pressure for a humanitarian ceasefire.
• Outlook: A partition might persist short-term but isn’t stable or internationally recognized. Main obstacles: sustaining military pressure, arms supplies, and enabling civilian voices (17:09–19:28).

Notable Quotes

• “All wars end at some point… If these four parties have a common approach to the war in Sudan, I think they could take influence…” – Volka Pertez [15:11]
• “No one is prepared to recognize a Darfur rump state… If there was a de facto partition that lasts for a while… there will be fragmentation.” – Volka Pertez [17:21]

3. Global Headlines & Decline of Multilateralism

[20:30–25:58]

News & Analysis: Garana Gurgi (Monocle Security Correspondent)

• US Role in Undermining Global Cooperation: IEA meeting stalls—US blocks net zero consensus; Washington Post exclusive: US exploring a post-WHO system built around bilateralism (21:03–22:40).
• Functional Cooperation vs. Multilateralism: "We are seeing these coalitions of the willing… flexible arrangements on a case by case basis… not forging universal mega-organizations." – Garana Gurgi [23:13]
• Tech & Geopolitics: India/US AI partnership (Tata/OpenAI, Infosys/Anthropic) illustrated shifting alliances away from China (24:53).

4. Urbanism & Transport: Cities in Focus

[38:37–44:28]

Monocle’s Carlotta Rebello brings quirky and practical city stories:

• London Pedicab Crackdown: First ever formal regulation, including fare caps, licenses, English language and safety testing (39:02–41:29).
• Portugal’s High-Speed Rail: Finally greenlit with €2.4bn investment; will link Porto and Lisbon, slashing travel times and boosting business connectivity (41:36–42:56).
• Barcelona’s Traffic Light Budget: 40,000+ signals cost €34m (over two years), covering maintenance, upgrades, and CO2 reductions (43:07–44:28).

5. Theatre & Culture Reviews

[45:17–53:03]

Matt Wolfe, International NYT Theatre Critic:

• Tom Stoppard’s 'Arcadia': Five-star revival in London, now staged in-the-round—“clarity, passion, and appeal to the heart,” accessible even to those afraid of highbrow drama (46:12–47:43).
• Cynthia Erivo Solo 'Dracula': Tech-rich, multi-character performance—ultimately “more of a stunt” than a gripping retelling (48:42–50:27).
• Edgy Soho Theatre: 'The Virgins' (raw look at contemporary teen sexuality, “baleful” rather than exuberant) and the delightfully inventive solo show by comedian Josh Sharp (51:25–52:28).

6. Winter Olympics & European Dispatch

[53:42–58:57]

Live from Allianz Tower, Milan:

• Olympic Vibes: Dutch House parties, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Olympic branding and torch design, Milan’s dual role as sports and business hub (54:58–58:07).
• Personal Highlights: Andrew Muller and Tom Webb reflect on interviews with designers of the Olympic torches and the process of citywide event preparation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• On the Board of Peace:
  “What we are seeing… is a platform for President Trump to talk about his achievements… There were pledges… but… reality paints a much more different picture.” – Zizet Dakazali [03:24–04:41]

• On Gaza Ceasefire:
  “Since the so-called ceasefire was announced… the fire has not been ceased in Gaza… over 600 people have been killed since.” – Zizet Dakazali [04:43]

• On Multilateralism Decline:
  “What we are seeing these days is a lot more of these coalitions of the willing… more flexible arrangements… rather than forming mega organizations.” – Garana Gurgi [23:13]

• On Theatre:
  “It’s a play about passion and the heart… you shouldn’t be afraid of it, just surrender to it.” – Matt Wolfe on 'Arcadia' [46:12–47:43]

Additional Highlights with Timestamps

• [47:19] Matt Wolfe on Arcadia: “People are scared of it in advance… but you shouldn’t be afraid of it. Just surrender to it.”
• [51:53] Matt Wolfe on Josh Sharp’s show: “PowerPoints, Galore Slides, coming out story… it’s absolutely delightful.”
• [53:42] Andrew Muller: “Both journalists and Australians… are bodies of people renowned for their sobriety and composure, especially when abroad at sporting events.”
• [58:44] “What’s the sexiest sport in the Winter Olympics?” – “The snowboard cross… those people are just completely insane. It’s fantastic.” – Andrew Muller

Episode Tone & Language

• Balanced, wry, observant: The discussion is frank but measured, punctuated with British wit, gentle skepticism (especially around political grandstanding), and lively banter about urban life and culture.
• Expert insight: Clear attributions to specialists, maintaining their language and analytical tone.
• Direct quotes: Used to highlight revealing perspectives, skepticism, and moments of humor or candor.

Summary by Segment

• Board of Peace: Grand plans, ambiguous purpose, and a reality check—skepticism over its ability to produce meaningful change or replace the UN.
• Sudan: Humanitarian crisis persists; international diplomacy focused on a possible ceasefire but structural peace remains distant.
• Global Politics: Bilateralism over multilateralism—a pattern now visible in energy, health, and technology geopolitics.
• Urban Life: Mundane (and expensive) city management meets quirks like London’s neon pedicabs and Barcelona’s pricey stoplights.
• Culture: The enduring relevance of theatre as both cerebral and emotive, plus how technology and solo performances bend audience expectations.
• Winter Olympics: From Milan to Dutch House, contagious energy and insight into the machinery behind the scenes.

This episode is rich in global analysis with a sharp focus on the uneasy shift from traditional international cooperation to more fragmented "coalitions of the willing," all set against a background of ongoing conflict, big personalities, and the textures of modern life.