The Globalist

Ruth Michelson, Monocle's Middle East expert, discusses Ahmed al-Sharaa's new role as Syria's transitional president and the challenges he faces. Ronan Lee shares insights on Myanmar's junta and its impending elections, painting a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Claudine Fry adds depth with her analysis of global news, spotlighting tensions in Rwanda and South Africa's military involvement. The conversation also touches on societal shifts and the cultural events at the Sundance Film Festival, offering a rich tapestry of current affairs.

Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent, sheds light on the recent departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, analyzing the quest for sovereignty and the shift towards alliances with Russia. Meanwhile, Zoe Grunabald, Westminster editor, discusses political developments including RFK Jr.'s hearings and Friedrich Merz's alliance with the AFD. The conversation reveals how these geopolitical shifts impact regional stability, as well as broader global political trends and their implications for both European and American dynamics.

Lars Bevanger, Monocle's Oslo correspondent, reports live from the Arctic Frontiers Conference, shedding light on geopolitics and sustainable development challenges in the region. Nina Los Santos, broadcast international correspondent, discusses the implications of Donald Trump’s funding freeze. Jonathan Evans from Pew Research reveals insights from a survey on religious nationalism, exploring its impact across 36 countries. The conversation also touches on Thailand's tourism crisis due to pollution and the intersection of democracy and religion in global politics.

Christopher Miller, Chief Ukraine correspondent for the Financial Times, sheds light on the innovative use of drones in the Russo-Ukrainian war, exploring their strategic impacts on modern combat. Tim Abrams, contributing editor to the Architectural Record, discusses the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, highlighting its significance in bridging cultural dialogue between the Islamic and Western worlds. Both guests emphasize the need for remembrance and creativity in addressing contemporary global issues amid ongoing humanitarian crises.

Hanna Liubakova, a Belarusian journalist, discusses the dubious elections in Belarus and what they mean for the future of President Lukashenko. Yus Hilteman provides crucial insights on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly recent hostage exchanges. Sheena Rossiter highlights the impact of U.S. politics on climate action, while Pierre Heilbrun talks about the daunting task of rebuilding Ukraine. Meanwhile, Marika Trances shares her vision as Bulgari’s new creative director, blending fashion innovation with cultural storytelling.

Charles Hecker, a Russia analyst and author of "Zero Sum," discusses the resilience of Russia's economy under sanctions and its vulnerabilities from military spending. Florian Egley shares insights on the global impacts of U.S. climate policy withdrawals, emphasizing the responsibility of the U.S. in addressing climate change. Navina Kotor highlights the significance of African leadership in shaping regional cooperation amidst political turmoil. They also reflect on cultural events like Paris Fashion Week and the Oscars, connecting fashion and politics.

Bertrand Piccard, an explorer and founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation, discusses the urgent need for sustainable building technologies, highlighting innovations that improve energy efficiency. Vincent McAviney provides sharp political commentary on the shifting dynamics in Europe, particularly concerning Russia and the implications of Trump’s policies. Retail expert Rebecca Tay dives into the latest fashion trends, including the Louvre’s first fashion exhibition, blending art and culture with commercial insights.

Steven Borowiec, a seasoned staff writer and editor from Nikkei Asia, dissects South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's ongoing impeachment trial, revealing the political turbulence and supporters' dynamics. Nico Luxinger of Asia Society Switzerland offers insights on the shifting Asian perspectives highlighted at Davos, notably concerning U.S. influence amidst rising tensions with China and India. Meanwhile, Simon Brook analyzes how these international events resonate within the UK's media landscape, reflecting on the broader implications for global governance.

Chris Chermak, Monocle's senior news editor based in Washington, D.C., explores the political landscape following Trump’s inauguration, highlighting the atmosphere and media reactions. Rob DeBank brings a unique twist with his luxury sauna pop-up in King's Cross, emphasizing mental health. Terry Stiasny reviews compelling newspaper headlines, while Gabriel Lee discusses transportation news amidst the changing geopolitical climate, including the Quad nations’ strategies regarding China and India. The blend of politics, wellness, and travel makes for an intriguing conversation.

Yossi Mekelberg, an expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at Chatham House, discusses the release of hostages and its implications for regional dynamics. Journalist Juliet Linley shares insights on the Vatican’s role in peace efforts and the new pope's openness. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of Trump's approaching inauguration and highlights key moments from the World Economic Forum in Davos, showcasing the interplay between politics and global concerns.