
The Globalist
Monocle’s unrivalled coverage of news and current affairs kicks off on weekdays with ‘The Globalist’ at 07.00 GMT/08.00 CET. Anchored from London and Zürich, join our editors for insight and opinion on the big current affairs and business stories of the day and a review of the European front pages. Nominated for Best Daily Podcast in the 2020 British Podcast Awards.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 59min
EU summit: leaders meet to talk defence, tariffs, migration, Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine
Join Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, and Guy Delaunay, Monocle’s expert in the Balkans, as they dissect the recent EU summit's pivotal discussions on defense, tariffs, and migration. Garana Gurdjieff, Monocle's security correspondent, highlights security implications amid rising tensions in Ukraine. Andrew Muller adds his signature wit, exploring cultural mishaps and the impact of social media on heritage. Finally, theatre critic Matt Wolfe touches on the vibrant intersection of politics and art, making for a lively roundtable discussion.

Jun 26, 2025 • 59min
Nato agrees to a 5 per cent defence spend by 2035 as the US hails a “big win”
This discussion features Margus Tushkna, Estonia's foreign minister, who focuses on Russian threats to Ukraine and the urgency for European defense. Simon Bivier, Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, reveals how France is grappling with NATO dynamics and internal issues like retirement reform. Navina Kautour, from Nairobi, sheds light on significant protests in Kenya and the government's stance. Lastly, James Chambers, Monocle’s Asia editor, talks about Thailand's new cannabis regulations and their potential political impact.

Jun 25, 2025 • 59min
Trump’s Iran-Israel ceasefire resumes: how long will this one last?
Latika Burke, a geopolitics expert and journalist; Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in at The National in Abu Dhabi; and Sally Geffen, a London-based aviation analyst, dive into the implications of the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran. They discuss its tenuous prospects, the shifting U.S. stance on Middle East relations, and rising Gulf anxieties regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. The conversation also touches on broader geopolitical dynamics, NATO's evolving priorities, and the interconnectivity of international aviation amid these tensions.

Jun 24, 2025 • 59min
Israel and Iran agree to a ceasefire proposed by president Trump
Leila Malala-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, and Claudine Fry, a partner at Control Risks, dive into the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, sparked by Trump’s intervention. They discuss the skepticism surrounding its implementation and the complex geopolitical landscape. The conversation also touches on NATO's response, the vital role of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil, and market reactions to these geopolitical shifts. Additionally, they explore the escalating border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting regional stability challenges.

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
“A spectacular, military success”: Trump declares victory as the world awaits Iran’s response to US strikes
Inzi Rashid, a journalist focusing on the GCC, discusses the implications of the recent US attacks on Iran, detailing regional reactions and potential retaliations. Ruth Michelson shares insights on local media responses from Istanbul. Meanwhile, Natalie Theodosi reports from Milan's Men's Fashion Week, highlighting creativity amid global tensions. Will Hodgkinson dives into Glastonbury's buzz and Bruce Springsteen's lost albums, while Tahas Vankovic explores the promising future of hydrogen fuel cells in aviation, touching on its challenges and innovations.

Jun 20, 2025 • 59min
Thailand’s government teeters on the brink of collapse. Is a coup imminent?
James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor in Bangkok, provides on-the-ground insights into Thailand's political chaos following a secret recording of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Julia Lassica discusses the implications of a key party’s exit from the coalition, while Andrew Muller, Petri Burtsoff, and Melissa Hamilton analyze potential investor fallout and rising nationalism. Tara O'Connor highlights the broader regional concerns, as instability raises questions about the likelihood of a coup amid tensions with neighboring Cambodia.

11 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 59min
How are Iranians viewing conflict with Israel? Plus: shifts in the media landscape and Danish design
Tara Kangalu, a global affairs journalist and author, discusses the complex emotions of everyday Iranians amidst escalating conflict with Israel, revealing a society grappling with deep divisions. Scott Bryan, a media critic, explores the evolving media landscape, highlighting the shift from traditional TV to streaming, particularly with new collaborations affecting content dissemination. They navigate the challenges public broadcasters face and discuss the intersection of design and culture, particularly focusing on the unique aspects of Danish creativity and its impact on modern aesthetics.

Jun 18, 2025 • 59min
Qatar Airways soars to new heights and the view from Art Basel 2025
Simon Bouvier, Monocle's Paris bureau chief, dives into Qatar Airways being named the world’s best airline, examining its leadership and innovation strategies amidst Boeing’s challenges. Murdo Morrison offers insights on aviation industry dynamics, while Paul Walde shares a look at the G7 summit's key discussions. Meanwhile, Sophie Monaghan-Coombs reports live from Art Basel, capturing the excitement and trends in the art world, and Nick Moniz highlights design innovations from Copenhagen’s festival.

Jun 17, 2025 • 57min
The Israel-Iran war continues to broaden: what comes next?
As the war between Israel and Iran expands, we explore what role mediation has left to play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 16, 2025 • 59min
The G7 meets in Canada as Israel and Iran on the brink
Bertu Erselak, a Senior Research Fellow on Middle East security, offers keen insights into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, discussing military actions and their impacts on civilian life. Paul Rogers, an international security expert, delves into the implications of these conflicts for global stability, while journalist Jessica Bridger highlights the importance of citizen participation in urbanism. Together, they explore how current geopolitical events shape public life and the intricacies of urban development in the face of ongoing turmoil.