

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

6 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 58min
The future of Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ and the UK redesigns its banknotes
Juliette Lindley, a journalist based in Zurich, Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America, and Scott Lucas, an adjunct professor at UCD, dive into the implications of Trump's new legislation on U.S. politics. They discuss the Mercosur-EU trade deal's long journey and the ideological divisions it reveals. The conversation shifts to the UK's banknotes redesign, highlighting public input versus expert oversight in shaping national identity. Tune in for insights on these key global topics and their broader societal impacts!

Jul 3, 2025 • 59min
As the US halts aid and Russia intensifies strikes, what will happen to Ukraine?
Latika Burke, a writer-at-large and national security expert, joins Washington reporter Simon Marks, former Ukrainian MP Hannah Hopko, and Northeast Asia analyst William Yang for a deep dive into the implications of the U.S. halting military aid to Ukraine. They discuss the mounting pressures on Ukraine's military amid increased Russian aggression and the urgent need for sustained international support. Additionally, they explore the political ramifications of Trump's major economic bill and its potential fallout on American citizens.

Jul 2, 2025 • 59min
Japan in the firing line as Trump nears decisions on tariffs
Fiona Wilson, Monocle’s Tokyo Bureau Chief, dives into Japan's delicate trade negotiations with the U.S., emphasizing how crucial tariffs on automotive goods and the symbolism of rice shape their relationship. Camilla Wozink discusses the pressing funding shortfalls impacting humanitarian aid, while Yossi Mecklenburg analyzes the political repercussions of America's new tax reforms and their effects on international relations. Lisa Poggialli highlights the intersection of AI and elections, and Ed Stocker reflects on the Iowa State Fair as a pivotal stage for political engagement.

Jul 1, 2025 • 59min
The Senate’s marathon voting session on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Terry Stiasny, a political journalist and author, joins John Everard, a former British ambassador, and Peter Limgeroyrat, a former candidate for Prime Minister in Thailand. They delve into the intense political maneuvering around the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' and its implications on tax reforms. The urgency for passage before a July 4th deadline adds tension. The discussion also touches on political stagnation in Thailand, contrasting global struggles like heatwaves in Europe, and the ongoing protests in Serbia and Croatia, highlighting the intersection of politics and society.

Jun 30, 2025 • 57min
Ukraine’s diplomatic-charm offensive across the African continent
Joining the discussion are Simon Brook, a seasoned journalist and communications consultant, along with James Chambers, an Asia editor based in Bangkok, and Ragnar Thovadasen, Iceland's Deputy Head of Mission. They dive into Ukraine's diplomatic outreach to Africa, examining the significance of these new alliances amid the conflict with Russia. The trio explores the historical ties and complexities involved in navigating foreign influences. Other intriguing discussions cover political tensions globally, including potential shifts in various regions amid ongoing crises.

Jun 27, 2025 • 59min
EU summit: leaders meet to talk defence, tariffs, migration, Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine
Join Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, and Guy Delaunay, Monocle’s expert in the Balkans, as they dissect the recent EU summit's pivotal discussions on defense, tariffs, and migration. Garana Gurdjieff, Monocle's security correspondent, highlights security implications amid rising tensions in Ukraine. Andrew Muller adds his signature wit, exploring cultural mishaps and the impact of social media on heritage. Finally, theatre critic Matt Wolfe touches on the vibrant intersection of politics and art, making for a lively roundtable discussion.

Jun 26, 2025 • 59min
Nato agrees to a 5 per cent defence spend by 2035 as the US hails a “big win”
This discussion features Margus Tushkna, Estonia's foreign minister, who focuses on Russian threats to Ukraine and the urgency for European defense. Simon Bivier, Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, reveals how France is grappling with NATO dynamics and internal issues like retirement reform. Navina Kautour, from Nairobi, sheds light on significant protests in Kenya and the government's stance. Lastly, James Chambers, Monocle’s Asia editor, talks about Thailand's new cannabis regulations and their potential political impact.

Jun 25, 2025 • 59min
Trump’s Iran-Israel ceasefire resumes: how long will this one last?
Latika Burke, a geopolitics expert and journalist; Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in at The National in Abu Dhabi; and Sally Geffen, a London-based aviation analyst, dive into the implications of the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran. They discuss its tenuous prospects, the shifting U.S. stance on Middle East relations, and rising Gulf anxieties regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. The conversation also touches on broader geopolitical dynamics, NATO's evolving priorities, and the interconnectivity of international aviation amid these tensions.

Jun 24, 2025 • 59min
Israel and Iran agree to a ceasefire proposed by president Trump
Leila Malala-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, and Claudine Fry, a partner at Control Risks, dive into the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, sparked by Trump’s intervention. They discuss the skepticism surrounding its implementation and the complex geopolitical landscape. The conversation also touches on NATO's response, the vital role of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil, and market reactions to these geopolitical shifts. Additionally, they explore the escalating border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting regional stability challenges.

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
“A spectacular, military success”: Trump declares victory as the world awaits Iran’s response to US strikes
Inzi Rashid, a journalist focusing on the GCC, discusses the implications of the recent US attacks on Iran, detailing regional reactions and potential retaliations. Ruth Michelson shares insights on local media responses from Istanbul. Meanwhile, Natalie Theodosi reports from Milan's Men's Fashion Week, highlighting creativity amid global tensions. Will Hodgkinson dives into Glastonbury's buzz and Bruce Springsteen's lost albums, while Tahas Vankovic explores the promising future of hydrogen fuel cells in aviation, touching on its challenges and innovations.