

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

Oct 15, 2025 • 59min
Why is Indonesia’s Prabowo under fire over Israel ban? Plus: Fendi’s new chief creative officer
James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor, dives into the controversy surrounding Indonesia's president Prabowo and his canceled visit to Israel, touching on local backlash and the nation’s complex history with Israeli sports bans. Inga Thorda reviews global headlines, providing insight into current affairs, while David Phelan highlights the latest tech trends. W. David Marks explores the intricacies of creating an English edition of the Japanese magazine Popeye, revealing the challenges of translation and maintaining cultural authenticity.

Oct 14, 2025 • 59min
Why Trump’s Gaza peace deal faces its hardest test yet
Ruth Michelson, a seasoned Middle East correspondent, discusses the challenges following the Gaza ceasefire and the implications of Trump's diplomatic efforts. Lynn O'Donnell, a former Kabul bureau chief, delves into India-Pakistan dynamics and Afghanistan's delicate relations. Terry Stiastini reviews poignant stories of hostage reunions. Carlotta Rubella analyzes how local election results in Portugal impact upcoming presidential races, while Sophie Monaghan-Coombs previews the highlights of Frieze London, showcasing the intersections of art and politics.

Oct 13, 2025 • 60min
Trump heads to Israel as hostages are released. Plus: China-US trade tensions
This discussion features Jonathan Femby, a journalist with insights on US-China trade tensions, focusing on rare earth policies and their geopolitical implications. Alison Kaplan-Sommer reports from Tel Aviv, detailing the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Trump’s visit and the recent release of Israeli hostages amid complex negotiations in Gaza. Zoe Grunwald covers the political landscape in France and the UK, highlighting Macron's cabinet reshuffle and rising far-right influence. Meanwhile, Natalia Sobravia Perea examines Peru's political instability and Blaise Eong reports on youth turnout in Cameroon's elections.

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
France charts a path forward as it looks to a new head of government
Join Simon Bouvier, Monocle's Paris Bureau Chief, as he analyzes the political shake-up in France with Macron seeking a new prime minister. Hannah Lucinda-Smith provides insights into a delicate ceasefire deal in Gaza, while Steve Crawshaw discusses its implications on humanitarian justice. Philip Breen shares his experience staging King Lear in Tokyo, highlighting cultural adaptations. Adding humor, Andrew Muller delivers a satirical roundup on global political antics, making this discussion a fascinating blend of politics, culture, and current events.

Oct 9, 2025 • 59min
Israel and Hamas agree to the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Ruth Michelson, a Middle East correspondent, discusses the pivotal agreement between Israel and Hamas regarding the first phase of Trump's Gaza peace plan, detailing the role of regional mediators. Gorana Gerjic reviews international reactions and highlights China's tightened control over rare earth exports before geopolitical talks. Dr. Chris Smith unpacks this year's Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Chemistry, while theatre critic Matt Wolfe celebrates the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables and reviews new National Theatre productions.

Oct 8, 2025 • 59min
Increasingly isolated, pressure mounts on France’s Emmanuel Macron to resign
Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, dives into the political turmoil in France, exploring calls for Macron's resignation amidst a deadlock. Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, shares insights on military leadership and the delicate balance of rules of engagement affecting NATO relations. Antonio Sampaio analyzes Argentina's President Miles and his political survival tactics as he approaches midterm elections. Isabel Hamilton rounds up tech news, discussing breaches at Discord and significant deals in the chip industry.

Oct 7, 2025 • 56min
Israel and Hamas hold indirect Gaza talks in Egypt
Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Monocle’s Istanbul correspondent, dives into Syria's challenging political landscape and indirect parliamentary elections. Julia Jenner discusses the impact of cultural philanthropy on European museums amidst funding uncertainties. Tim Abrams updates us on architectural innovations like the Piccadilly capsule hotel in London and significant restorations in Paris. Fernando Augusto Pacheco reveals insights from Público’s innovative media initiatives in Portugal, highlighting their strategies for a sustainable future.

Oct 6, 2025 • 58min
Who is Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi?
Tomohiko Tanaguchi, former advisor to Shinzo Abe, dives into the potential of Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, discussing her backgrounds, conservative views, and economic priorities. Rob Cameron analyzes the ups and downs of Czech politics, highlighting Andrej Babiš's comeback in a polarized landscape. Yossi Mecklenburg brings insights on Middle Eastern tensions, including cautious optimism for Israel-Hamas talks. Chris Sabatini addresses US policy in Latin America, while Bruno Kaufmann peeks into the Nobel Peace Prize selection process.

Oct 3, 2025 • 59min
Death toll rises in Morocco as youth protests continue to rock the country
Iman Zoubai, a visual artist from Fez, shares insights on the ongoing youth-led protests in Morocco, emphasizing the motivations behind the demonstrations amidst government discontent. Rob Cameron analyzes the political landscape in the Czech Republic, focusing on populist figures and their implications for the region's future. Latika Burke discusses global security incidents, linking rising antisemitism to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Gloria Guevara highlights tourism's massive economic impact post-COVID, while Andrew Muller adds a humorous twist with his satirical weekly roundup.

Oct 2, 2025 • 59min
The US government shuts down: what next?
In this insightful discussion, Charles Hecker, a seasoned author and Russia analyst, delves into the recent US government shutdown. He examines the political standoff, its impact on federal workers, and the significant economic costs involved. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the Global Sumud Flotilla, highlighting international reactions and legal complexities following its interception. Hecker also reflects on Jane Goodall's remarkable legacy in primatology and the shift in Zimbabwe's agriculture from tobacco to an emerging blueberry market.


