

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

Aug 14, 2025 • 59min
Do European leaders have Trump onside ahead of his summit with Putin?
Bruno Kaufmann, the Global democracy correspondent for the Swiss Broadcasting Company, joins journalist Juliet Linley from Zurich and Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg's Brussels Bureau Chief. They debate the dynamics between European leaders and Trump as he gears up for a summit with Putin, particularly focusing on Ukraine's precarious situation. Discussion also includes the complexities of trust in negotiations, Svalbard's significance amidst geopolitical tensions, and the intertwining effects of climate change and global politics.

Aug 13, 2025 • 59min
Lebanon caught between an Iranian rock and an American hard place in disarming Hezbollah
Leila Malana-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, delves into Lebanon's struggle to disarm Hezbollah while juggling pressures from Iran and the U.S. She discusses the implications of the Lebanese government's recent decision, highlighting Hezbollah's military influence and the challenges of asserting control over arms. The conversation touches on the geopolitical turbulence surrounding these developments, offering insights into the broader dynamics in the region amid rising tensions and military collaborations. It's a gripping look at a complex issue!

Aug 12, 2025 • 59min
The US and Russia meet in Alaska without Zelensky. Plus: China’s chipmakers strike a deal with Washington
John Minich, an Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics, and Ivana Klimpush-Tsadze, a Ukrainian MP and chair of the Parliamentary Committee on EU Integration, discuss pivotal U.S.-Russia talks in Alaska and the impactful absence of Zelensky. They tackle the new deal where Chinese chipmakers will pay a 15% sales fee to Washington, analyzing whether this acts as a tariff. The conversation also reveals critical insights into the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding Ukraine and the semiconductor industry amid geopolitical tensions.

Aug 11, 2025 • 59min
The Trump-Putin meeting: Is Ukraine guaranteed to lose?
Leila Malana-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, Julia Jen, Kyiv correspondent, and Ulrich Knudsen from the OECD dive into the geopolitical implications of the Trump-Putin meeting. They discuss the skepticism surrounding Ukraine's fate amidst a potential conflict 'freeze' and the pressing need for territorial guarantees. The trio explores Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis and how global diplomatic efforts intertwine with local conflicts, including tensions in Gaza and Europe's digital challenges. A riveting look at the convergence of politics and security.

Aug 8, 2025 • 59min
Israel’s plans to take over Gaza City and a peace deal for Armenia and Azerbaijan
Featuring Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, Rob Harris, Europe correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, and John Emond, Senior reporter for The Wall Street Journal. They dive into China's escalating grip on rare earth metals, revealing its profound implications for U.S. military defenses. The discussion also covers the geopolitical complexities surrounding the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations and critiques of international interventions, providing a captivating look at pressing global issues.

Aug 7, 2025 • 59min
Turkey in the crosshairs as Trump mulls sanctions on Russian oil importers
Turkey’s delicate balancing act as the Nato member faces possible US tariffs over its Russian oil ties. Plus: Lebanon’s push to disarm Hezbollah, a flick through the international newspapers and climate news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 6, 2025 • 59min
What Brics, Donald Trump’s tariffs and Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine have in common
Kevin Casas-Zamora, head of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, discusses how Trump's tariffs threaten BRICS nations like Brazil and India, reshaping trade dynamics. Yossi Mecklberg from Chatham House highlights Brazil's democracy resilience amid political turmoil and external pressures. Freelance reporter Lyudas Stapkus shares insights from the conflict in Ukraine, exploring political accountability and the manipulation of truth. The conversation underscores the geopolitical implications of current events and the potential for AI in political engagement.

Aug 5, 2025 • 59min
Intra-Korean relations and the dismantling of South Korea’s border speakers
Ruth Michelson, a journalist based in Istanbul, and Stephen Borowick, a staff writer in Seoul, share insights on the recent dismantling of propaganda loudspeakers at the North-South Korean border. They discuss how this move may ease tensions and reshape diplomatic strategies, particularly through cultural exports like K-pop. Matt Wolf dives into the current trends in theater, exploring how technology influences performances. Meanwhile, Cécile Verdier highlights the evolving dynamics of the luxury market, emphasizing craftsmanship and consumer shifts towards quality.

Aug 4, 2025 • 59min
Malaysia hosts Thai-Cambodia peace talks as ceasefire holds
Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent and author, shares insights on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for international intervention. Zoe Grunewald discusses UK perspectives on global affairs, while Redwan Armand provides a deep dive into the political turmoil surrounding Sheikh Hasina's trial in Bangladesh. Adam Hancock reflects on Singapore's 60th independence anniversary, addressing its historical challenges. Together, they examine the fragile ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting regional stability amid international complexities.

Aug 1, 2025 • 59min
Trump raises Canada tariff to 35% as the world reacts to new levies
We explore the global economic consequences as President Donald Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs begin with all eyes on Canada, Australia and India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.