
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

Apr 25, 2025 • 57min
The funeral of Pope Francis
Christopher White, Vatican correspondent at the National Catholic Reporter, reflects on the profound global significance of Pope Francis’ funeral. Simon Brook adds insights into the geopolitical reverberations of this event, particularly the implications for UK-EU relations and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Sophie Monaghan-Coombs highlights cultural events tied to the occasion, discussing the intertwining of diplomacy and art. Together, they weave a narrative rich in legacy and contemporary issues, capturing the essence of a moment that transcends borders.

Apr 24, 2025 • 58min
Zelensky in South Africa and The Chiefs in Jakarta
Volodymyr Zelensky is in South Africa and we speak to Jakarta’s governor ahead of Monocle’s The Chiefs conference. Plus: an update on Kashmir’s attack and Emmanuel Macron’s Indian Ocean tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 23, 2025 • 59min
Asian finance ministers come to Washington
The International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group spring meetings are under way in Washington, with warnings of a tariff-fuelled hit to the global economy. Asian finance ministers hope to ease some of the tensions. Plus: an interview with Roberto Cingolani of Italian defence giant Leonardo, Tim Marshall’s new book, and a programme for teaching soft skills to Gen Z.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 22, 2025 • 59min
The world reacts to the death of Pope Francis
As tributes pour in from leaders across the globe, Juliet Linley joins Emma Nelson to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis. Plus: the US-Philippines annual military drills go ‘full scale’, Edward Fishman on his new book Chokepoints, and the latest from the world of fashionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 21, 2025 • 59min
The world’s top stories
Join Jenny Mathers, a Senior Lecturer in International Politics; Vincent McAvinney, a journalist and politics commentator; Mustafa Al-Rawi from Dubai; and Lindy Prickett, a New Delhi correspondent, as they dive into pressing global issues. They discuss complex peace efforts in Ukraine, the evolving U.S.-India trade relations, and the impact of brain drain on diplomacy. AI's role in Dubai governance, alongside shifting wine trends, reveals cultural and technological transformations, making for a captivating exploration of today's world.

10 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 59min
Paris hosts talks on ending the war in Ukraine
Who is asking for what in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks held in France? Plus: With Donald Trump in office, how is Washington’s influence abroad changing? And: a special interview with Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm about the so-called return of the dire wolf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 17, 2025 • 59min
Italy’s Meloni meets Trump in Washington
Amy Kasman, Rome correspondent for the Financial Times, discusses Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's precarious diplomatic visit to Washington to meet Donald Trump amid trade tensions. Inga Thordar, Chief External Relations Officer at the Oceanborne Foundation, highlights Europe's shifting security priorities, including Switzerland's military training abroad. Michael Binion, Foreign Affairs specialist for The Times, touches on Singapore’s elections and the unexpected rise of 'slow TV' in the Nordics, exploring its cultural significance in today's fast-paced society.

Apr 16, 2025 • 56min
Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks: the fallout from Sumy
Bill Hayton analyzes China's foreign policy shifts, especially Xi Jinping's charm offensive, framing it within global trade dynamics. Peter Segal discusses how European automakers are adapting to new tariffs, revealing the industry's resilience amidst uncertainty. Mark Galeotti delves into the turmoil following Russia's missile attack on Sumy, exploring the complex web of Ukraine-Russia-US negotiations. Together, they provide a riveting look at international relations' evolving landscape amidst geopolitical tensions.

Apr 15, 2025 • 59min
Taiwan braces for semiconductor tariffs
William Yang, a journalist in Taipei, discusses Taiwan's strategic preparations as Donald Trump threatens semiconductor tariffs, highlighting its crucial role in the global supply chain. Simon Bouvier, Monocle’s bureau chief in Paris, offers insights into European responses to these geopolitical shifts, while aviation analyst Sally Geth explores the broader implications for the airline industry amidst these economic challenges. Together, they navigate the complexities of international relations and the rising tensions surrounding technology.

Apr 14, 2025 • 57min
Xi Jinping seeks allies amid tariff war with Trump
Zoe Grunewald, Westminster editor at The Lead, and Michał Kaminski, Deputy Marshal of the Polish Senate, dive into Xi Jinping's diplomatic tour in Southeast Asia, showcasing China's efforts to strengthen ties amidst U.S. tariff threats. They discuss the political shifts in Ecuador and how these events intertwine with global trade dynamics. The conversation also touches on Poland's strengthened defense posture and U.S. relations, highlighting the complexities of international politics in a rapidly changing world.