

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

Jul 31, 2025 • 59min
The aftershock of Zelensky’s anti-corruption scandal
As Ukraine’s parliament readies to vote on reversing last week’s rollback of anti-corruption laws, Andrey Kurkov sees cause for optimism. Plus: Trump puts pressure on India over its ties with Russia and transport news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 2025 • 59min
While the US threatens tariffs, Russia has been busy bypassing sanctions
We delve into Russia’s efforts to bypass Western sanctions and consider whether the country will respond to new US tariff threats. Plus: recognising a Palestinian state gathers steam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 2025 • 59min
As Thai and Cambodian militaries meet, can a ceasefire between the two nations hold?
Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, looks at whether a ceasefire agreed between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered by the US and Malaysia, will pass muster as military delegations meet today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 28, 2025 • 59min
Taiwan’s recall elections and the future of air travel in Dubai
We get an update about life on the ground in Kyiv. Then: recall elections in Taiwan shift relations with Beijing. And: Dubai Airport nears 100 million annual passengers milestone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 25, 2025 • 59min
Macron says France will recognise a Palestinian state, becoming the first G7 nation to do so
Join Middle East correspondent Greg Karlstrom, who dives deep into Macron's bold move to recognize a Palestinian state, reshaping global diplomatic landscapes. Nairobi correspondent Navina Kator discusses tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border amid military escalations. Meanwhile, James Chambers highlights the surprisingly resilient global economy despite rising tariffs, while Tom Fairless analyzes trade dynamics affecting U.S. consumers. Theatre critic Matt Wolfe infuses humor by reflecting on political absurdities through innovative productions, showcasing the merging of art and commentary.

Jul 24, 2025 • 59min
China and the EU celebrate 50 years of diplomacy with strained summit
Latika Burke, a writer at large for The Nightly and an expert at the ANU's National Security College, shares insights from Ukraine amid rising tensions in Europe and China. Yossi Mecklberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, discusses the complexities of EU-China relations as they celebrate 50 years of diplomacy. They delve into the impacts of trade disputes, Ukraine's public unrest against President Zelensky, and the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conversation highlights the intricate interplay between international politics and domestic challenges.

Jul 23, 2025 • 59min
Japan and the US announce an unexpected trade deal. Plus: the 82nd Venice International Film Festival
Fiona Wilson, Monocle's Tokyo Bureau Chief, joins experts like Tom Keating from RUSI and Inga Thorda from the Oceanborn Foundation to discuss Japan and the US's surprising trade deal, reshaping economic dynamics. They dive into its implications for the automotive sector and Japan's political challenges. The conversation also covers Iran's tactics against sanctions and geopolitical shifts with Russia and China. Meanwhile, Joel Flynn shares insights on the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, highlighting its distinctive cultural narratives.

Jul 22, 2025 • 59min
“The war in Gaza must end now” calls for an immediate ceasefire from 25 foreign ministers
In this thought-provoking discussion, Leila Mulana-Alan, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, emphasizes the humanitarian crises arising from the Gaza conflict, urging for immediate ceasefire. Political journalist Theo Usherwood delves into the implications of international calls for peace, while Jessica Bridger highlights the intricate global dynamics and how public opinion can shift in the face of escalating tensions. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the urgent need for intervention and the profound impact of political maneuvers on everyday lives.

Jul 21, 2025 • 59min
The effects of Japan’s upper-house elections on a fragile economy
Join Julian Ryle, a Daily Telegraph correspondent in Japan, as he dissects Japan's recent upper-house elections and the implications of a minority government on the economy and international trade. Katerina Barley, Vice President of the European Parliament, discusses the growing challenges to democracy in Europe amid economic pressures, while Yasmin Abdel-Majid provides critical insights on Sudan's turbulent recovery and ongoing conflict. Together, they explore the intersections of politics, economics, and societal change in today's global landscape.

Jul 18, 2025 • 58min
Can South Africa keep its G20 presidency promises?
Brendan von Essen, an Africa analyst specializing in political and economic risks, joins Tara Kangalu, a global affairs journalist and Georgetown University professor. They delve into South Africa's G20 presidency and its ambitious pledges amid geopolitical tensions. The discussion highlights the pressing need for debt relief for developing nations and the impact of global power dynamics. They also touch on Iran’s internal political struggles and the broader implications of these issues on international relations and economic stability.