The Monocle Daily

Europe considers trade ‘bazooka’ against the US and Israel pushes back on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

15 snips
Jan 19, 2026
Isabel Hilton, a journalist specializing in international affairs and China, joins political commentator Somnath Batabial and Monocle founder Tyler Brûlé to discuss Europe's potential trade tactics against US tariffs over Greenland. They explore the geopolitical implications, including Denmark’s sovereignty and local reactions in Nuuk. The panel also tackles Trump’s controversial Gaza governance proposal, questioning its legitimacy due to Palestinian exclusion. Additionally, they highlight the surge in gold stockpiling as a response to dollar instability.
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ANECDOTE

Nuuk Suddenly In The Global Spotlight

  • Andrew Muller describes Nuuk as small but suddenly the focus of global media with many reporters doing street stand-ups.
  • He notes strong local symbolism like 'Greenland is not for sale' posters and that several thousand protesters represented a huge share of the city's population.
INSIGHT

Legal Reality Vs Geopolitical Posturing

  • Somnath Batabial outlines that Denmark retains sovereignty and Greenland chose to stay with Denmark in a recent vote.
  • He stresses US military accords and that mineral ambitions don't justify a sovereign grab, highlighting the fragility of post-war order.
ANECDOTE

China's Arctic Moves And Local Politics

  • Isabel Hilton recounts China’s past bids to build Greenland airports and Danish hesitation, which Washington later shut down.
  • She explains Greenland's leaders have tried to attract US investment but faced limited interest, shaping local politics.
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