

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

Nov 25, 2025 • 59min
Sudan rejects a US-led ceasefire plan and Salone del Mobile debuts in Riyadh
Yasmin Abdel-Majid, an Australian-Sudanese writer and broadcaster, discusses the Sudanese army's rejection of a US-led ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing territorial stalemate and humanitarian crisis. Rob Cameron analyzes the implications of Poland's president visiting Prague, revealing political divides and shared views on Ukraine. Lars Bavanger offers quirky insights from Norway's news, while previewing the Salone del Mobile in Riyadh, showcasing Saudi Arabia's ambitious design initiatives as part of Vision 2030.

Nov 24, 2025 • 59min
What next in the White House’s renewed push for peace in Ukraine?
Marisa Lorenzo, a political and economic risk analyst, discusses the EU-AU summit's ambitions for regional investment and major projects like the Lobito Corridor. Guy Delaney, a Balkans correspondent, shares insights on the recent presidential election in Republika Srpska, highlighting Milorad Dodik's influence and the challenges faced by opposition parties. Steve Crawshaw, an author and former Human Rights Watch UK director, analyzes the ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, emphasizing the humanitarian disasters and political complexities at play.

Nov 21, 2025 • 59min
Johannesburg braces for G20 summit protests
Harris Giorgades, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Cyprus's parliament, shares insights on the potential revival of peace talks in Cyprus and the role of Turkey in future agreements. Noelle Salmi discusses the chaotic preparations for COP30 in Brazil, highlighting logistical failures and the cultural significance of a restored VW microbus as a symbol of hope. Regular contributor Andrew Muller adds a humorous flair to the week's news, making sense of global events with his signature satire and wit.

Nov 20, 2025 • 59min
What’s next for Kosovo as it fails again to pick a prime minister?
Guy Delauny, Monocle's Balkans correspondent, unpacks the ongoing political impasse in Kosovo, examining the failed coalition efforts of Albin Kurti and the rising ethnic nationalism. Vincent McAvinney provides insights into global headlines, including luxury retail trends on Bond Street. Julia Good highlights Ukraine's corruption scandals impacting President Zelensky's approval ratings, discussing potential reforms and the human cost of alleged theft. Meanwhile, Sabah's Chief Executive Officer, Julianus Jeffrey Jimmett, shares sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.

Nov 19, 2025 • 60min
Poland rail blast spotlights Russian sabotage in Europe and Zelensky goes to Turkey
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.

Nov 18, 2025 • 59min
Why South Korea is proposing military talks with North Korea
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.

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
How close is too close for Germany and China? Beijing meeting sets the stage
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.

4 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 57min
Can Swiss negotiators seal a new trade deal with the US?
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.

Nov 13, 2025 • 58min
Venezuela prepares for a US attack and tariffs slam the brakes on Japanese carmakers
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.

Nov 12, 2025 • 59min
Iraq’s parliamentary elections and a new EU intelligence unit
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.


