
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

May 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
Macron takes Middle East peace role whether Netanyahu wants him to or not
Thomas A. Nagy, a missile defense expert, delves into the complexities of the U.S.'s Golden Dome technology amid shifting geopolitical tensions. Latika Burke discusses Harvard's student ban, highlighting its repercussions on international education and migration trends. Claudia Jacob celebrates Mexico’s culinary renaissance and key chefs, linking it to a growing appreciation for local ingredients. Matt Wolfe reflects on Stephen Sondheim's influence in theatre, offering insights into new productions and the evolving landscape of performance art.

May 22, 2025 • 58min
Iran cosies up to Russia amid a balancing act with the US
Berku Ozelek, a Senior Research Fellow at RUSI, Nina Dos Santos, an international correspondent, and Julianne Smith, a former US ambassador to NATO, dive into Iran's strategic partnership with Russia. They explore the geopolitical implications of their newly ratified 20-year alliance, especially in military support and nuclear negotiations with the US. The conversation highlights Iran's delicate balance between global power dynamics and domestic sentiments, including fears of potential Israeli aggression if negotiations falter.

May 21, 2025 • 58min
South Africa’s president begins US trip and The International Booker Prize winner
Brendan von Eason, an analyst specializing in African relations, discusses the South African president's crucial visit to the US, aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and trading dynamics. Janet Anderson sheds light on Hungary's controversial decision to withdraw from the ICC, diving into its implications. Vicky Price touches on the evolving UK-EU relationships amidst economic challenges. Finally, Zoe Grunwald shares insights on the complexities of UK politics, underscoring how international affairs shape domestic narratives.

May 20, 2025 • 58min
What’s next after Trump’s call with Putin?
Julia Lassica, a Monocle writer, delves into the impact of Trump's call with Putin on Ukraine's ceasefire, exploring the complexities of international negotiations. Mary Fitzgerald shares insights on Libya's political instability and potential civil unrest. Phil Clark discusses the broader geopolitical implications. Karen Krasanovich analyzes the film industry's challenges amid political tensions. Lastly, aviation news analyst Sally Gethin highlights Boeing's contracts, revealing how aviation dynamics shape global interactions.

May 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
UK-EU summit and election watch
Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, Yossi Meckleberg from Chatham House, Beata Javorcik, chief economist at the EBRD, and Laura Kramer, senior producer reporting from Bucharest, dive deep into the UK-EU summit's significance. They explore Romania's pro-EU election outcome and the far-right's rise in Portugal. Javorcik discusses the economic fallout from tariff increases, while the panel weighs in on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complex political shifts across these regions.

May 16, 2025 • 58min
What next for the Russia-Ukraine war?
Join Stephen Diel, a keen Russia analyst, as he unpacks Vladimir Putin's negotiation strategies amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Matthias Mazini provides a thrilling preview of Poland’s presidential election, diving into candidate strategies and voter disinformation. Claudine Fry discusses global trade dynamics shaped by U.S. policies, while Florian Wiede shares behind-the-scenes insights on the creative logistics of the Eurovision stage. Expect a blend of serious geopolitics and a touch of cultural commentary!

May 15, 2025 • 59min
Trump in Qatar and the UAE; Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul
In this discussion, Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Istanbul correspondent for Monocle, shares her insights on Turkey's pivotal role in global politics and its ties with both the U.S. and Russia amid peace talks. Inga Thorda, Chief External Relations Officer at the Oceanborn Foundation, brings attention to urgent global issues like ocean conservation and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Music editor Fernando Augusto Pacheco dives into the thrilling landscape of Eurovision, highlighting its cultural significance and political controversies.

May 14, 2025 • 59min
The US’s aviation task force assembles and Eurovision takes centre stage
Paula Hancocks, CNN's correspondent in Abu Dhabi, and Simon Brook, a skilled journalist, join Carlota Rebello, Monocle's senior foreign correspondent, and Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision's executive supervisor, to discuss key global events. They cover Trump's Gulf tour and its implications for U.S. investments, the chaos at Newark Airport due to telecom failures, and the return of Eurovision amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes. Insights into the evolving U.S.-Saudi relations and the intricacies of organizing Eurovision add a fascinating layer to their conversation.

May 13, 2025 • 58min
Trump begins his Middle East visit and Triennale Milano’s 24th International Exhibition
Greg Karstam, a Middle East correspondent and author, discusses Donald Trump's controversial trip to Riyadh, shedding light on the geopolitical ramifications for U.S. relations. Maya Sharma provides insights on the fragile India-Pakistan ceasefire while Ed Stocker covers the political upheavals in the Philippines. David Phelan highlights the intersection of art and technology at the Milan Triennale, showcasing installations that address social inequalities alongside cutting-edge innovations like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.

12 snips
May 12, 2025 • 59min
Putin challenges Zelensky to meet him in Turkey
Join insights from Mark Galeotti, a political analyst known for his expertise on Russian politics, alongside Julie Norman from UCL, who specializes in international relations, Vincent McAvinney, a political commentator, and retail expert Rebecca Tay. They delve into a potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey, unpacking the complexities of trust and historical context. The discussion also touches on UK immigration reforms, US-Iran nuclear negotiations, and the rising trend of outdoor saunas, blending serious politics with lighter cultural shifts.