Podcast Summary: Will Anyone Stand Up to Donald Trump at Davos?
The Globalist – Monocle Radio
Date: January 21, 2026
Host: Emma Nelson
Main Theme
This episode examines the high-stakes political drama at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, as Donald Trump arrives amid international tensions over his renewed campaign to assert American power—specifically through his provocative ambitions regarding Greenland. The Globalist team dissects the European and global responses, the resulting diplomatic strain on alliances, and the overshadowing of other world issues. Key voices include Monocle’s correspondents in Davos, Zürich, Nuuk (Greenland), and Madrid.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Delayed Arrival and the Anticipation in Davos
- Davos on Edge: The atmosphere is described as unpredictable and tense, awaiting Trump’s arrival on a backup Air Force One after a technical issue forced his flight to return to Washington. (Starts at 03:52)
- “This has been an edition of the World Economic Forum's meeting that no one could have predicted.” — Carlota Rebello, 03:52
- Unprecedented U.S. Presence: The largest-ever U.S. delegation (around 300 people) adds to disruption, with 5,000 Swiss troops deployed and warnings issued for extra security and possible internet outages.
2. Greenland as the New Geopolitical Flashpoint
- Trump’s Greenland Gambit: Trump has further inflamed international tensions by reaffirming his intent to acquire Greenland, not ruling out military means—prompting volatility in markets.
- “Mr. Trump has certainly pushed buttons in the last 48 hours, reiterating a pledge to grab Greenland and not ruling out military action to achieve this. This caused the dollar and the U.S. stocks to tumble. Not what WEF needs now.” — Emma Nelson, 02:04
- European Leaders Push Back: Vigorous speeches by leaders such as Emmanuel Macron (notably in mirrored sunglasses), Mark Carney (Canada), and Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission) set a confrontational tone and hint at a possible united European front.
- “Who could have imagined Emmanuel Macron delivering a speech with mirrored sunglasses? … The big news is that Donald Trump is now delayed.” — Carlota Rebello, 03:52
- Greenland Overshadows Ukraine: Coverage and conversations at Davos have seen Greenland leap ahead of Ukraine, causing consternation among European policymakers.
- “Greenland turmoil eclipsing Ukraine at Davos… even among Europeans, there really isn’t much they can do about it.” — Chris Chermak, 22:52
3. The “Rules-Based Order” Under Strain
- Questioning Old Norms: Mark Carney's and von der Leyen’s speeches pointed to the collapse of the established rules-based international order, with leaders openly acknowledging weaponized economic integration.
- “Nostalgia won't bring back the old world order.” — Ursula von der Leyen (summary by Carlota Rebello, 07:53)
- “The world is in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” — Mark Carney (quoted, 07:53)
- U.S./European Alliance in Flux: Trump is testing European unity, looking to exploit longstanding fissures in EU/NATO cooperation, while some see his provocations inadvertently strengthening Europe’s resolve.
4. America First vs Global Alliances
- Patriotism on Show: Even before Trump’s arrival, the U.S. “Freedom 250” campaign is dominating the USA House at Davos, foreshadowing a week of brash American exceptionalism.
- Economic Fallout: U.S. markets dip sharply in response to Trump’s rhetoric; gold surges as a safe haven.
- “[The Dow] dropped 870 points. Gold is back to being the most bought standard in the world. This is not what America First is supposed to be.” — Mark Edelman, 13:13
- Europe’s Dilemma: Commentators question whether Europe will finally “put its money where its mouth is” and push for greater integration—potentially even toward a common defense.
5. Perspective from Greenland
- Voices from Nuuk: Reporting from Monocle’s Andrew Muller highlights ambivalence among Greenlanders—some see a business boost from attention, others fear irreparable change.
- “If Trump shut up about Greenland now, the last year could just about be assessed a net positive, at least from a business perspective… but lasting damage will have been done.” — Andrew Muller, 15:29
6. Global News Briefs & Additional Segments
- Spain Rail Tragedy: Reports of fatal train accidents, public mourning, and impacts on Spanish national psyche.
- China UK Mega-Embassy: UK approval of a giant Chinese embassy in London sparks security and geopolitical worries.
- U.S. Justice Department Turmoil: U.S. legal battles over state and federal prosecutions, resignations, and the politics of law enforcement.
- Japan Updates: Life sentence for Shinzo Abe's assassin; cultural and financial shifts; growing legal pressure for same-sex marriage recognition.
- Syria’s Fragile Ceasefire: New power-sharing agreements between the interim Damascus government and Kurdish forces analyzed.
- Luxury Watch & Jewel Trends: LVMH Watch Week highlights muscular boldness and delicate elegance in new launches, with Paris haute joaillerie season previewed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Trump’s Greenland Push:
- “He doesn't understand why nobody in Europe doesn’t think he should have it... the idea that we’re all coming together to speak about Greenland and Nuuk is quite fascinating.” — Mark Edelman, 05:44
- On the Evolving World Order:
- “Nostalgia won't bring back the old world order.” — Ursula von der Leyen, echoed by Carlota Rebello, 07:53
- “The world is in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” — Mark Carney, summarized by Rebello, 07:53
- On American Power:
- “Nothing makes America stronger than a solidified and strong and supported Europe. And this idea that breaking up alliances... is good for the United States is crazy.” — Mark Edelman, 13:13
- On European Response:
- “Will this push for the EU to finally resolve some of the internal issues it had?... Perhaps having all of this exposed for the world to see, thanks to Donald Trump, could benefit the EU in the long run.” — Carlota Rebello, 11:21
- On the View from Greenland:
- “Lasting damage will have been done, that Greenland will never again feel quite so gloriously remote, quite so splendidly invulnerable, quite so contentedly self-contained.” — Andrew Muller, 15:29
- On Davos' Disruption:
- “Every time an aircraft carrying the President on board, it becomes Air Force One… Nevertheless, it is Air Force One designate, but sort of Air Force One in drag, you could almost say.” — Tyler Brulee, 54:13
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trump’s Arrival and Davos Tensions: 03:40–05:20
- Powerful Speeches (Macron, Carney, von der Leyen): 05:20–08:00
- Greenland at the Center: 09:26–10:36; 15:29 (Andrew Muller from Nuuk)
- America First Rhetoric: 11:21–13:09
- European Strategy and Alliance: 13:09–14:10
- Plane Spotting and Trump’s Air Force One Arrival: 51:04–58:29
- Front Pages & Press Reaction: 22:15–24:16
- Spain Train Accident Coverage: 17:29–21:03
- Japan Coverage (Abe’s assassin, economic/social shifts): 39:11–44:39
- Luxury & Watch Week: 45:26–50:26
- Syria Update: 34:08–38:49
Final Thoughts
The episode conveys a sense of a shifting world order, with Trump’s disruptive presence and “America First” approach catalyzing both anxiety and urgency among European and global leaders. Greenland becomes an unlikely symbol for great power competition, while old alliances are tested publicly at Davos. Against this backdrop, the show also features a vivid tour through the world’s front pages, updates on ongoing geopolitical hotspots, and even a moment of glamor from the world of luxury watches and jewelry.
For anyone seeking a pulse on global affairs, diplomacy, and the atmospherics of power, The Globalist’s Davos coverage brings a unique, insider perspective with a characteristic blend of wit and sharp analysis.
Editor’s Note:
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