The Globalist

Belarussian weather balloons are testing the patience of Nato member Lithuania, with the latest incursion raising fresh security concerns and prompting the government to declare a nationwide emergency. Monocle’s Andrew Mueller and exiled Belarussian journalist Hanna Liubakova discuss how much harassment Europe is prepared to tolerate from a Moscow ally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Jen, a Monocle researcher, shares insights on Ukraine’s diplomatic landscape, including the push to access frozen Russian assets and domestic political challenges facing Zelensky. William Yang, an expert on Taiwan, discusses the implications of potential talks between Beijing and Taiwan’s KMT party, highlighting risks of cooperation. Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, unveils the company's expansion strategy and wellness trends shaping luxury hospitality, focusing on how destinations prepare to welcome high-end travelers.

Vincent McAvinney, a political reporter and Monocle contributor, shares insights on Syria's significant ‘Liberation Day’ celebrations and the current political atmosphere in Damascus. He discusses the challenges of fractured governance amid various autonomous regions. The conversation also touches on the tightly controlled Hong Kong elections and the implications of Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros, addressing the potential impact on jobs and cinema culture. McAvinney's analysis connects these global events to the pressing narratives of our time.

Maya Sharma, a Bangalore-based journalist, dives into Putin's visit to India, discussing the historical ties and key military and energy agreements being solidified. Phil Clark, Professor of International Politics, explores the complexities of African peace deals amidst G20 pressures, alongside a controversial Eurovision boycott. Andrew Muller adds humor with his insights on current events, while Amma Rose Abrams reveals exciting trends from Art Basel and highlights indigenous art initiatives. This lively discussion blends serious geopolitics with a dash of culture.

Latika Burke, a Writer-at-large for The Nightly, dissects the escalating political climate in Venezuela amidst mounting US military presence. Sarah Doyle, VP at Design Hotels, shares insights on sustainable hospitality, highlighting the brand's eco-friendly practices and new openings. The podcast also delves into the renewed search for MH370, discussing advanced technology and the search's critical aspects. Together, these topics paint a vivid picture of current global issues and trends in hospitality.

Simon Brook, a freelance journalist, provides insights into the deadly ‘double tap’ strike on a Venezuelan boat, discussing military command responsibility and the culture of violence. Tom Roundtree, VP at IHG, shares exciting trends in luxury hospitality from Cannes, highlighting Six Senses' expansions and the appeal of Albania as a rising destination. The conversation also touches on urban cycling trends, with cities like Paris transforming infrastructure to promote bike use, revealing insights into safety and regulation challenges.

David Wood, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, discusses Pope Leo’s impactful visit to Lebanon and the local sentiment amid ongoing crises. Bruno Kaufmann shares insights on the historical democratic movements in Gdańsk, linking them to current Polish-German political dialogues. Guy Delaunay dives into Serbia's refinery crisis, highlighting the implications of sanctions. Meanwhile, Alicia Fitzgerald examines NATO's evolving strategies against hybrid threats and outlines France's controversial health care proposals for non-EU pensioners.

Join Andrew Muller as he chats with Jacinda Ardern, the former New Zealand prime minister, about the nuances of leadership and empathy during crises. They delve into the impact of her empathetic approach on gun laws post-Christchurch. Meanwhile, Andrew Fletcher reveals the intriguing discovery of a red chalk drawing attributed to Michelangelo, shedding light on its authentication process. Garana Gerjic rounds out the discussion with insights on Ukraine's corruption scandals and international tensions shaping peace talks.

Fiona Wilson, Monocle's Tokyo Bureau Chief, and Andrew Muller, a witty contributor, delve into the high stakes of Honduras's presidential election. They discuss the U.S. government's keen interest, emphasizing potential fraud risks and the historical tension in the region. Fiona highlights broader geopolitical implications, particularly concerning China, while Andrew predicts unrest if results are contested. The conversation also touches on Macron's controversial voluntary military service plan in France, revealing its political significance and public reception.

Tara Kangarlu, a seasoned journalist with insights into Iranian politics, discusses the delicate ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and France. Latika Burke shares her encounter with Donald Trump, revealing his confrontational approach towards journalists. Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza reflects on his imprisonment while advocating for a democratic transition in Russia, emphasizing the need for transitional justice. Yossi Mecklberg rounds off with updates on Middle Eastern maritime agreements and cultural influences, showcasing the region's evolving dynamics.