
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

Feb 14, 2025 • 59min
Car attack rattles first day of the Munich Security Conference
Alexa Self, Monocle's foreign editor, delivers insightful on-the-ground reporting from the Munich Security Conference, while Latika Burke, a writer at large for the Nightly Australia, analyzes the geopolitical ramifications of recent events. They discuss a shocking car attack that cast a shadow over the conference, raising concerns about security commitments in Europe amid the Ukraine conflict. Their conversation delves into the evolving global landscape, including diplomacy between China and the UK, and the pressing need for strategic autonomy in Europe.

Feb 13, 2025 • 59min
Modi at the White House and Erdogan in Islamabad
Maya Sharma, a Bengaluru-based journalist, shares insights on India's complex relationship with the U.S. during Modi's White House visit. Hannah Lucinda-Smith discusses Turkey's ambitions for enhanced ties with Pakistan amid global tensions. Navina Kotor reviews East African news, including key headlines and regional challenges. Murdo Morrison analyzes aviation hurdles, particularly in developing sustainable aircraft, while exploring the booming K-pop industry as a potential economic counter to U.S. tariffs, showcasing unique intersections of culture and geopolitics.

Feb 12, 2025 • 59min
Will Canada and the EU join forces?
Suzanne Lynch, an associate editor at Politico, discusses Trudeau's diplomatic mission in Brussels amid U.S. tariffs. Hafiz Mohammed provides a gripping analysis of the Sudanese civil war and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Inga Thordara examines global tensions, while Tom Edwards brings insights from the Dubai World Government Summit. Finally, Guy Delaunay sheds light on Italy's evolving asylum policies and Kosovo's elections, capturing the intricate web of politics and migration shaping Europe today.

Feb 11, 2025 • 58min
King Abdullah II at the White House, JD Vance in Europe
Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses King Abdullah II's White House visit against the backdrop of U.S.-Middle East tensions. Julia Lassica provides insight into rising geopolitical issues while Steve Tsang analyzes demographic shifts in China impacting society. They explore the implications of Donald Trump's Gaza proposals, evolving U.S. foreign policy towards Europe, and Ukraine's military recruitment challenges. The conversation is rich with analysis on diplomatic strategies and emerging global trends.

Feb 10, 2025 • 59min
Ecuador holds polarising elections amid promises on crime
Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Monocle's Istanbul correspondent, sheds light on Ecuador's upcoming elections focused on combating crime and their potential fallout on political stability. She discusses the broader implications of U.S.-China trade tensions on international strategies. Ecuador's battle with drug violence highlights a need for regional cooperation over militarization. The conversation takes a cultural turn, exploring the impact of fashion on political expression and the intersection of global events, from Gaza to Santorini.

Feb 7, 2025 • 59min
Israel’s army prepares for ‘voluntary departure’ of Palestinians
Richard Haydarian, an academic and columnist, provides insight into the impeachment of the Philippine vice president. Inga Thorda, a chief external relations officer, discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its global implications. Matt Wolfe, a theatre critic, shares commentary on recent performances and the challenges in transitioning from film to stage. They delve into critical issues like birthright citizenship and the political turmoil in the Philippines, blending cultural commentary with international affairs.

Feb 6, 2025 • 59min
How to oppose Trump’s Gaza plan
Heba Saleh, Cairo correspondent, shares insights on the backlash against Trump's Gaza plan and Egypt's role in this evolving crisis. Clotilde Goujar provides perspectives on Jordan's response and regional tensions. William Yang discusses Taiwan's military readiness amid rising threats from China, focusing on strategic deployments at Songshan Airport. Meanwhile, Alexei Korilov delves into Austria's political instability, and Tim Abrams reflects on Aga Khan's architectural legacy. Each guest provides a unique lens on urgent global issues.

9 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 59min
What role can Turkey play in the new Syria?
Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Monocle's Istanbul correspondent, dives into Turkey's evolving role in Syria's reconstruction amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics. Yossi Mecklberg from Chatham House shares insights on the Palestinian struggle, focusing on the concept of perseverance. Rob Cameron, a journalist in Prague, discusses the challenges Czech media face due to rising populism, affecting impartiality and public confidence. The conversation spans critical topics like regional security and the intricate ties between politics and media in today’s landscape.

Feb 4, 2025 • 59min
Yoon Suk Yeol’s trial continues
Melissa Hamilton, a law and criminal justice expert, discusses the legal implications of freezing US aid amid South Korea's political struggles. Charles Hacker analyzes the escalating US-China trade war and its global impacts. Ed Stocker highlights Venice's declining population and efforts to bring residents back, while Karen Krasanovich reviews standout films from Sundance. Lastly, Carol Phillips shares insights into her novel and reflects on the experiences of the Windrush generation, weaving together themes of identity and migration.

13 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 58min
Netanyahu goes to Washington
In this engaging discussion, Julie Norman, a Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East Programme at the Royal United Services Institute, and security analyst Maria Avdiva provide sharp insights into recent geopolitics. They analyze Netanyahu's pivotal meeting with Trump and its implications for the Middle East, alongside the ongoing strategic battle for Pokrovsk in Ukraine. The duo also highlights the evolving dynamics of support from Europe amidst rising tensions, illustrating the intricate web of international relations at play.