

The Globalist
Monocle
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 59min
Dutch elections, Lebanon seeks to disarm Hezbollah and the US government shutdown’s impact on aviation
Leila Molana-Allen shares insights on Lebanon's urgent need to disarm Hezbollah amid internal tensions and military limitations. Stefan de Vries discusses the dynamics behind the recent Dutch snap elections, focusing on Geert Wilders' waning populist appeal. Nina dos Santos tackles Brazil's police raids and the violence affecting favelas, while Sally Geffen highlights the fallout of the US government shutdown on air travel, including controller shortages and economic impacts. TV critic Scott Bryan rounds up key industry news, from CNN's streaming changes to updates on Doctor Who.

Oct 28, 2025 • 59min
Trump says he will solve the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis ‘very quickly’. Plus: Europe’s rival to Starlink
Lynne O'Donnell, a journalist focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan, discusses Donald Trump's potential role in mediating peace talks. She highlights the complexities of the Taliban-Pakistan relationship. Julia Jen shares insights on Europe's ambitions to create a rival to Starlink, revealing security concerns and industry fragmentation. Charles Hecker offers his take on geopolitical news, while Jessica Bridger delves into community-focused tourism and urban planning, emphasizing local control over ski resorts and pedestrian-friendly city designs.

Oct 27, 2025 • 59min
Asean leaders meet and Pope Leo heads to Turkey
Join journalist Adam Hancock, reporting from Kuala Lumpur, as he dives into the ASEAN summit, highlighting the tension between Trump and Xi over trade and regional dynamics. Yossi Mekelberg from Chatham House explores the complex issues in Gaza and Turkey, examining diplomatic tensions and the implications of Turkey's potential role in a stabilization force. They also discuss how Trump's unpredictable foreign policy impacts global stability and the significance of emerging nations like Timor-Leste within ASEAN.

Oct 24, 2025 • 58min
EU and US sanctions on Russia, Art Basel Paris and tariffs’ impact on the superyacht industry
Theo Usherwood shares insights on the impact of trade tensions and a provocative ad that stalled US-Canada negotiations. Jenny Mathers discusses the latest EU/US sanctions on Russia, probing their implications for Ukraine. Andrew Muller highlights absurd military mishaps and surreal political antics in 'What We Learned'. Robert E. Kelly examines the APEC tensions and South Korea–US relations, shedding light on significant investment hurdles. The podcast also delves into the vibrant art scene at Art Basel Paris and the shifting dynamics in the superyacht industry.

Oct 23, 2025 • 59min
EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East and ‘simplification’
Suzanne Lynch, Brussels bureau chief at Bloomberg, shares her insights on the European Council summit, discussing vital topics like Ukraine, sanctions, and the shifting dynamics in the EU’s migration policy. Political broadcaster Vincent McAvinney offers analysis on the cultural impact of events like the World Cup. Simon Cooper, a Financial Times journalist, explores the World Cup's ability to act as a global unifier, resembling a cultural feast that transforms nations. The conversation dives into pressing geopolitical issues and food news from Tokyo.

Oct 22, 2025 • 58min
President Erdoğan embarks on Gulf tour pursuing a deal with Qatar to buy used Eurofighter Typhoons
Inzaman Rashid discusses President Erdoğan's Gulf tour and the controversial deal for Eurofighter Typhoons with Qatar. Stefan de Vries sheds light on the Netherlands' contentious migration plan, aiming to send rejected asylum seekers to Uganda amidst electoral politics. Guy Delaunay explains the Berlin Process Summit's implications for EU accession in the Western Balkans, as Serbia shows ambivalence towards Europe. Filmmaker Evgeny Avnitsky shares poignant insights from his documentary on Ukrainian children, highlighting their resilience and the campaign's emotional impact.

Oct 21, 2025 • 59min
Japan’s new prime minister, what’s next for Israel and Gaza and L’Oréal acquires Kering’s beauty portfolio
Geoffrey J. Hall, a Japanese politics expert, dives into the implications of Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takechi, discussing her ultra-conservative policies and the tricky coalition landscape. Alex Szczerbiak analyzes the political fallout of recent Russian drone incursions in Poland, highlighting the fleeting sense of unity among parties. Charles Hecker reviews major news, including L’Oréal's acquisition of Kering’s beauty portfolio, pondering the effects of corporate consolidation on creativity in the industry.

Oct 20, 2025 • 59min
The US-Australia meeting: are critical minerals Anthony Albanese's Trump card?
Julia Jen, a Monocle researcher, examines the critical minerals pitch as a strategic lever for Anthony Albanese in his talks with Donald Trump. Inzamam Rashid elaborates on the fragile Gaza ceasefire, revealing the humanitarian impact of recent strikes. Oscar Guardiola-Rivera discusses Peru's political turmoil, focusing on the impeachment of its president and the ongoing protests driven by economic grievances. Together, they explore how these international dynamics influence relationships and stability in their respective regions.

Oct 17, 2025 • 58min
Zelensky and Trump to meet at the White House
In this discussion, Natasha Lindstead, a Government Professor at the University of Essex, dives deep into U.S.-Ukraine relations and the implications of Zelensky's meeting with Trump, including potential military support like Tomahawk missiles. Dr. Celia Susterman analyzes Bolivia's shifting political landscape and its implications for regional geopolitics. Meanwhile, Yossi Mekkelberg highlights developments in the Middle East, including U.S. defense agreements and their effects on Iran. A compelling blend of diplomacy and political analysis awaits!

Oct 16, 2025 • 59min
Nato’s defence ministers meet as the European Commission prepares to unveil its defence roadmap
Dr. Marion Messmer discusses the EU's Defence Roadmap, focusing on air and space threats and the political challenges of coordinating defence policy. Michel Rose examines the implications of France's pension reforms and the parliamentary tensions it creates. Janelle Aldred summarizes media reactions to global issues, including U.S. policies and the environmental fallout from a fireworks stunt in China. Patrick Sanmichel shares insights on Japan's vibrant music scene and trends, highlighting influential artists and the booming live-music arena.


