The Globalist

Stephen Diehl, a Russia analyst, explores the implications of a dramatic railway explosion in Poland, linking it to Russian sabotage tactics. Hannah Lucinda-Smith shares insights from Zelensky's pivotal trip to Turkey, highlighting Erdogan's unique role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict. Theo Ashwood discusses concerning espionage activities involving China targeting UK politicians. Meanwhile, in the cultural sphere, Ben Luke updates us on the burgeoning art market, including a notable auction featuring Klimt's work.

John Everard, a former diplomat and ambassador to North Korea, discusses inter-Korean tensions and the potential for military talks. He highlights how border incursions from the North could escalate dangerously. Redwan Ahmed, a journalist from Dhaka, analyzes the political fallout of Bangladesh’s tribunal sentencing of Sheikh Hasina. Jacob Parakilis from RAND Europe emphasizes Ukraine's long-term defense strategies, advocating for adaptive doctrines and improved supply chains. Natasha Shaffey shares insights on leading Mr & Mrs Smith post-Hyatt acquisition.

Aaron Burnett, a Senior Fellow in Berlin, dives into Germany's critical economic reliance on China, exposing risks tied to rare earths and defense. Charles Hecker analyzes political shifts, including Trump’s stance on Epstein files and US military moves near Venezuela. Inzaman Rashid reports on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 at Cityscape Global, while Juliette Lindley discusses the Pope's outreach to Hollywood, blending faith with modern culture. Andrew Ross Sorkin warns of potential financial bubbles, making connections to AI's influence and past market crashes.

Jan-Henrik Förster, Bloomberg's Switzerland bureau chief, dives into the complexities of Swiss-US trade negotiations, highlighting how Trump's tariffs have strained exports and the strategic moves Switzerland is making for tariff relief. Fiona Wilson, Japan bureau chief, discusses Japan's political scene, including Prime Minister Takeichi's contentious remarks on Taiwan and public reaction to her intense work ethic. Francis Collings shares insights on the French media landscape, covering the anniversary of the Paris attacks and political developments involving Sarkozy.

Terry Stiasny, a political journalist and author, weighs in on the implications of the Paris attack anniversary and the fallout from Epstein's emails. Meanwhile, Guy Delaunay, a Balkans correspondent, sheds light on the controversy surrounding Belgrade's army HQ redevelopment, revealing public opposition to the project. They also discuss the serious preparations Venezuela is making for a potential US attack and the repercussions of US tariffs on Japanese car manufacturers, highlighting economic tensions on multiple fronts.

Dr. Saad Jawad, an Iraqi political scientist, dives deep into the complexities of Iraq’s parliamentary elections, discussing boycotts and the influence of external powers like Iran and the US. Phil Clark offers insights on the shifting UK political landscape, while Rob Cameron updates listeners on the turbulent Czech government formation. Aviation analyst Sally Gethin explores the impact of US air traffic control issues and what Boeing forecasts for Southeast Asia, blending politics with industry trends.

This discussion features William Yang, a Senior Northeast Asia Analyst at the International Crisis Group, who analyzes the implications of the US-China trade agreement on Asian supply chains. Inzimam Rashid, Monocle's Gulf correspondent, shares insights from Urban Future Week in Dubai, focusing on urban planning initiatives. Claudine Fry from Control Risks examines major current events like the US shutdown and BBC controversy, providing a comprehensive take on how these stories shape global news narratives.

Heidi Pett, a Damascus-based journalist, dissects Ahmed al-Sharaa's swift rise to power and the implications of lifted US sanctions on Syria. Hannah Lucinda-Smith, an Istanbul correspondent, shares insights on Turkey's current affairs, including a factory explosion and regional headlines. Mai Pandek, an Israeli lawyer and activist, introduces a unique 'two states, one homeland' vision for shared governance in Jerusalem. Dave Guja discusses the booming global travel market, highlighting Middle East growth, while acclaimed author Helen Garner reflects on her award-winning diary collection.

In this lively discussion, Lily Takac delves into Viktor Orbán's precarious meeting with Trump, highlighting his hopes to sidestep discussions on Russian oil. Matthew Levitt evaluates Hamas's diminished standing post-conflict and the potential for its resurgence. Julia Jen shares insights on Ukraine's new European-gauge railway amidst ongoing war challenges, while Colin Davidson discusses his artistic journey in portraiture. Andrew Muller brings humor with his satirical take on the week’s major events, rounding out a rich exploration of current global affairs.

Hugh Lovett, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the implications of the UN's backing for Morocco's autonomy plan in Western Sahara and the risks of closing the UN mission. Greg Scruggs analyzes the postponement of the Summit of the Americas, highlighting regional tensions and diplomatic fallout. Iceland's Minister of Industries and Tourism, Hannah Katchen-Fridiksen, shares insights on reshaping tourism strategies and managing visitor seasons, revealing how local cultures can benefit from tourism.