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.
Episodes
A diplomacy push to end Iran’s conflict, the Russian election and London Fashion Week
Donald Trump prepares to meet with Gulf leaders in New York, Russians head to the polls and the Asian Games begin in Japan. Plus: London Fashion Week and what happens to cultural institutions when national leadership changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Europe’s plan to defend itself, the race to become UN secretary-general and aviation news
Europe’s military leaders gather in Prague to talk defence and co-operation. And: We go behind the scenes of the UN secretary-general race. Plus: A recap of the Arab Media Summit, aviation news and What We Learned this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deeper ties between Canada and the EU, changes at Emporio Armani and Zürich Design Week
Canada’s prime minister speaks to the European Parliament and the former president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, is jailed for war crimes. Plus: Jaguar Land Rover plans to sell its Defender to Nato and Zürich Design Week begins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A pivotal week for UK diplomacy, US midterms and Italy’s electoral reform
The UK flexes its diplomatic muscles as Nato chief Mark Rutte arrives in London. Then: We take the temperature of the US midterms and Italy’s electoral reform. Plus: Nordic news, Paris Design Week and the Arab Media Summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Sweden ever actually return to neutrality?
Sweden continues to count the votes of a tightly contested election in which its liberal traditions are being tested. Then: The latest news from the air and sea. Plus: What Okinawa’s new governor means for Japan's defence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sweden’s election results: Is the far right set to make more gains in Europe?
Sweden goes to the polls while New Delhi hosts Brics leaders for a high-profile summit. Then: Art Week in Syria and Berlin, the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar and a Canadian cartographer on the business of naming things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Co-operate or isolate the far right? Sweden’s election on a knife-edge
Sweden heads to the polls this weekend. Its centre-right prime minister vows to bring the far right into government but a left-wing coalition has other ideas. Then: why Algeria has cut ties with the UAE and why Brazilian funk is having a K-pop moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the ground in Dallas, Ukraine and Ceuta
A rare mid-term convention puts Dallas – and Donald Trump – into the spotlight. Then: on the ground in Ukraine with Aliona Hlivco and photographer Mark Neville. Plus: life in Ceuta one month after the migrant crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Poland showcases greater defence clout at MSPO fair, with Canada the star partner
Poland has signed a defence co-operation deal with Canada as it hosts the largest Eastern European defence fair this week. Plus: How to organise a state funeral in Norway and why Soviet-era music is making a comeback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Freedom Edge drills: trilateral exercises kick off between the United States, Japan and South Korea
We explore the new trilateral defence drills and the extent of the US involvement. Plus: Undersea drone wars with Verineia Codrean of Euroatlas; the mayors of Lisbon and Maputo; and a look at Biennale Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is Israeli settler violence a public relations problem for the US?
US ambassador Mike Huckabee visits the West Bank as settler violence worsens. Then: the EU makes a deal with Greenland, the global view of the end of summer and the Venice film festival continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany’s coalition conundrum: Can the AfD be contained?
How Germany’s regional elections pose one of the greatest threats to Freidrich Merz and Germany’s political firewall against the AfD. Plus: why are some Asian airlines able to absorb the new cost of flying?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Xi in Cairo and Egypt’s strategic balancing act
Xi is visiting Egypt for the first time in a decade. Why does Cairo matter to Beijing and what does the visit tell us about Egypt’s ability to balance its relationships with China, the US and its regional partners?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Russia remains a force in the Sahel
We look at Niger to understand Moscow’s continuing military role in the region. Plus: Hagen’s CEO Tim Schroeder on Danish coffee culture, the art of cartography and Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference in Lisbon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the US-Iran conflict entering a new phase?
Is the Middle East returning to war? We examine renewed US-Iran hostilities, the Gulf response and whether there is still a path back to negotiations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taiwan defies China as Dubai Airport defies the odds
Taiwan and Australia battle China for primacy at the Pacific Islands Forum. Plus: Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths on how a key aviation hub has managed to keep flying through conflict and remain confident in its long-term plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s behind renewed tensions between Greece and Turkey?
Are relations really deteriorating between the two countries or are they simply returning to old patterns? We analyse the situation in Europe’s southeast and look at what is driving the hostility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does Iceland’s EU vote mean for its sovereignty?
Should Iceland get closer to the EU? We analyse what’s at stake in Saturday’s referendum and what it means for sovereignty and security in the North Atlantic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The race to protect Europe’s airports from drones
After three drones targeted Leipzig, the question arises: what can Europe’s airports do about it? Plus: New York gallerist Harper Levine at his outpost in Bangkok; Japan’s education model; and remembering Dolly Parton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Operation Economic Outcast: Washington’s tough new sanctions on Iran
The US slaps harsh new sanctions on Iran as Pakistan tries to kickstart peace talks. Then: Andy Burnham’s first overseas visit as prime minister to Ukraine. And: Canadian news and a preview of Konfekt’s new book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Sino-Japanese relations thawing as the US pulls back from Asia?
What is the future of security in Asia as Japanese lawmakers head to China? Then: Canada’s tariff war with the US, Kazakhstan’s elections, fashion archives from around the world and rentrée littéraire in France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Government debt mountains grow – are markets starting to notice?
The United States and Europe are experiencing rising borrowing costs as markets wise up to unprecedented levels of debt. Plus: Reviewing the start of Brazil’s electoral campaign and how to give your children independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Japan’s Sanae Takaichi stand up to the US?
Over the past week, Japan’s prime minister Takaichi has seen the Trump administration sanction Tomoko Akane, a Japanese citizen and head of the International Criminal Court, which Japan still funds. Trump has also limited military drills with South Korea, which are in Japan’s national interest. So how will Takaichi respond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Bangkok and Canberra are drawing closer
Thailand’s prime minister travels to Canberra as Bangkok looks to deepen ties with Australia. Could the relationship offer Thailand a useful alternative to its reliance on China?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The art of mediation: Can Kushner break the Gaza deadlock?
Can Jared Kushner bridge the divide between Hamas and Benjamin Netanyahu? We examine the art of mediation, how negotiators can break the deadlock over disarmament and withdrawal, and what leverage Washington and regional powers have to help secure a deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Zürich with Tyler Brûlé: Why does Switzerland’s immigration rate keep tumbling?
Why does Switzerland’s immigration rate keep tumbling? Then: outrage in North Korea as the US and South Korea begin joint military drills. And: we look at why specialist bookshops are still essential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Zürich: Switzerland’s neutrality vote and the impact on Swiss foreign policy
With war in Europe, should Switzerland take a stricter approach to its neutrality stance? As campaigning starts on the Neutrality Initiative, we discuss how it could impact the Alpine nation’s standing in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wargames: How Democrats are preparing as Trump threatens to meddle in the midterms
Amid fears that President Trump might interfere in the looming November ballot, primary votes in Minnesota and Wisconsin have revealed the differences between establishment candidates and more progressive elements in the Democratic Party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who controls Greenland’s future and what does it actually want?
Greenland issues a warning after drilling equipment linked to the US was brought ashore without approval. We explore the future of the territory. Plus: on board Bombardier’s Global 8000, the world’s fastest civil aircraft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global shipping routes face a new era of uncertainty
We look at low water levels on the Rhine, South Korea’s Arctic ambitions and what these shifts mean for global trade on the Strait of Hormuz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ships, submarines and planes: why Halifax is taking off as Canada’s defence hub
We look at what’s making the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia a boom town for defence industries. Then: should we be worried that AI writing is taking over from human writing? And: could Seoul authorities succeed in creating a city that never sleeps?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What defence lessons can Taiwan learn from Ukraine?
There are no official military or diplomatic links between Kyiv and Taipei but communication is growing, what might they teach the other? Then: Tomos Parry, chef behind Michelin-starred Brat, on bringing his food to the skies. And: we look at our summer newspaper ‘Med, Mountains & More’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Ukraine’s ‘drone diplomacy’ enough to keep Europe’s full support?
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announces multiple drone deals as Russia steps up attacks. Then: South Korea plans a new train to the North. Plus: Myanmar’s club scene, luxury hotel refurbishments and music from Japan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The EU praises Spain for its ‘immediate and efficient’ response to the Ceuta migrant crisis
EU interior ministers close ranks behind Spain after the Ceuta migrant crisis. Then: Japan’s latest white paper on defense. Plus: we talk art with CSS singer Luisa Matsushita See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zambia’s election puts Hakainde Hichilema to the test
Zambia heads to the polls as president Hichilema seeks a second term. We examine what’s at stake for one of Africa’s leading copper producers and consider whether the country’s economic turnaround will secure him another term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is war and regeneration in the Middle East reshaping global aviation?
The Middle East is undergoing dramatic change; we explore how this is reshaping global aviation. Then: Friedrich Merz faces trouble; Copenhagen Fashion Week; and Italian-Palestinian popstar Tä ra. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who are the winners and losers in the luxury sector’s latest results?
Our guide to the latest earnings in the luxury sector and what they mean for the global economy. Then: newspapers from Asia, Europe’s busiest travel week, the continued rise of golden visas, and ‘Med, Mountains & More’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest on France’s wildfires and the heartbreak of losing a home in a blaze
Best-selling author Daisy Goodwin recounts the lasting impact of losing a home to a fire, as we check in from Bordeaux. Plus: Has Saudi Arabia officially entered the US-Iran conflict? And: Sweden’s new security architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France wildfires: Bordeaux region on alert as flames rage across Gironde
We report from Bordeaux, where wildfires continue to rage as firefighters battle to contain the blaze. Plus: the latest on the earthquake in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friendly or frosty? Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu gear up for talks in Washington
The US president and the Israeli prime minister prepare for talks in Washington. Then: why it’s good to follow Andy Burnham’s example and buy British. Plus: why has a Chinese film about Taiwan been made but never screened? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US-Iran war cools but for how long?
Washington and Tehran have halted their escalation for the moment, we explore the reasons behind it. Then: how effective will new EU sanctions on Russia be? Plus: the rise of dining alone, culture news and a Konfekt preview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are India’s ‘cockroach’ protests proving such a threat to Narendra Modi?
Large youth protests continue to send shockwaves through India’s political landscape. Then: the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting wraps up. Plus: Farnborough International Airshow, the Monocle Minute on Design newsletter and ‘What We Learned’ this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deals and defence developments at the Farnborough International Airshow
We get all the latest news on Day 4 of the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire. Then: how Switzerland is helping Kyrgyzstan build drinking water systems. And: we hear about Saint-Étienne’s new “Cité du Design”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Andy Burnham make Manchester a global diplomatic hub?
UK prime minister Andy Burnham invites the US president to Manchester as he puts the northern city on the map. Then: an update on the Farnborough International Airshow. And: new US tariffs on Canadian goods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Houthis declare maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia as Iran war escalates
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen declare a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Then: Britain’s Armed Forces boost their presence in Estonia. Plus: The Farnborough International Airshow and Sunday shopping in Germany.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Burnham becomes the UK prime minister
As Britain appoints its seventh leader in 10 years, we explore the effects on domestic and international politics. Then: Farnborough International Airshow and India’s space ambitions take off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zelensky picks a new PM as protests erupt over cabinet reshuffle
Ukraine’s president is reshaping his country's political landscape – we discuss why. Then The Odyssey hits screens and why is Trump obsessed with sporting events? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where does Israel stand as Iran and the US exchange fresh strikes?
With Washington describing the latest peace talks in Rome between Israel and Lebanon as “productive and positive”, we look at where Jerusalem stands in the wider Middle East conflict. Then: why are three publishing houses suing Google? And: we examine the Japanese prime minister’s popularity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What can be done to better protect our current and former politicians?
British counter-terrorism police continue their investigation into the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Plus: Iceland gears up for further EU talks. And: we examine the brightest stones at Paris’s High Jewelry Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can US-Iran peace talks survive the latest fighting?
Have Washington and Tehran reached the limits of what force can accomplish or is risk of a wider regional conflict growing? Plus: A flick through the papers, Southeast Asia news and why chilled red wines are keeping us cool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine tackles Patriot missiles and Asean talks Myanmar’s civil war
Will producing Patriot missiles be the turning point that Ukraine’s defense needed? Asean members discuss how to engage with Myanmar amid its civil war. Then: the Orient Express returns to connect Trieste, Italy, and Belgrade, Serbia. Plus: we head to Broadway to see the season’s shining stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Carney meets Saudi Crown Prince in extension of middle-power diplomacy
Fresh off the Nato summit, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney becomes the first Canadian prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia in nearly three decades. What’s Carney’s endgame? Plus: An update on Sudan with Yassmin Abdel-Magied. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has Washington finally lost patience? Donald Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is ‘over’
US president Donald Trump says further negotiations with Tehran would be a waste of time, while Iran claims that Trump’s comments push the region “toward fire”. Then: we look at the fight for control over the Malian town of Anéfis. And: another European resort tells tourists to cover up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marine Le Pen convicted but eligible to stand. Plus: Nigel Farage resigns
A Paris appeals court finds far-right leader Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement but shortens her electoral ban. Then: Reform UK's Nigel Farage resigns to trigger a by-election. Plus: the latest from the Nato summit in Ankara. And: tensions flare between Iran and Qatar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nato’s summit kicks off in Ankara
Defence spending is top of the agenda as Nato leaders gather in Turkey. Plus: Marine Le Pen waits to find out if she can run for the French presidency. And: We take a closer look at Canada’s new submarine deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Russia eyes Poland, Warsaw and Kyiv are drifting apart
Following a US warning that Russia could target Poland as a provocation against Nato, Warsaw finds itself more central than ever to European security. But as Washington deepens military ties with Poland, the country’s relationship with Ukraine is becoming increasingly strained.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Germany reboot its economy? Merz’s political gamble to restore growth
Chancellor Friedrich Merz unveils Germany’s biggest reform package in years. Is it enough to revive the economy, hold off the far-right and convince businesses to invest again? Plus: can Ukraine’s 40-day operation pressure the Kremlin to end the war?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does Donald Trump want Syria to take on Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Donald Trump has suggested Syria could play a role in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon. But does Damascus want to get involved? Plus: Portugal resumes train manufacturing and Australia turns to drones to stop shark attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from London and Paris: Venezuela denies Machado entry and Monaco suffers rare bomb attack
We discuss frustrations in Venezuela and the role of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Plus: An explosion in Monaco targets a Ukrainian oligarch; and our America 250 series looks at tipping points in US-UK history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa faces deadline, shutdown and anti-migrant unrest
South Africa braces for shutdown after weeks of anti-migrant unrest. Plus: Nobel Foundation head Hanna Stjärne; planetary defences on Asteroid Day; and Thomas Chatterton Williams on Europe’s air-conditioning plight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The death toll rises in Venezuela after earthquakes
Thousands are still missing following two huge earthquakes in Venezuela. Then: will Israel ever withdraw from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza? Plus: Rome airport CEO warns of summer chaos, America at 250, and an interview with Robert De Niro on Nobu hotels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world scrambles to help after Venezuela’s worst earthquakes in 100 years
A massive rescue effort begins in Venezuela, where hundreds have died and thousands are missing. Then: Protests in Albania ramp up, Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026, urbanism news and a new Frida Kahlo exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Volodymyr Zelensky pulls out of Ukraine conference in Poland over Second World War row
Ukraine recovery talks amid a Warsaw-Kyiv diplomatic spat. Then: how to unravel decades of US sanctions on Iran? And: Monocle’s new Quality of Life Survey, and an exclusive new electric vehicle from Portugal’s Amble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EU engagement with Taliban draws scrutiny following Brussels meeting
After landmark EU-Taliban talks, questions remain over Afghan deportations from Europe. Plus: Voters in Bangkok prepare to choose their next governor, a flip through the papers and Romania’s deepening political deadlock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brexit at 10: UK marks historic vote anniversary with new political chaos as Starmer resigns
Britain marks 10 years of Brexit with fresh political uncertainty as Keir Starmer becomes the sixth prime minister to step down since. Plus: What’s next after US-Iran talks, a flip through the Swiss papers and music news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s next for Colombia, as far-right Abelardo De La Espriella wins the presidential election?
Colombians have elected a new leader after one of the most divisive and violent campaigns in the country’s recent history. Plus: we examine Pakistan’s new position as a global mediator. And: we look ahead to the release of Monocle’s Quality of Life issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Makerfield to Europe: the significance of a single British by-election
We assess the results of a by-election in the UK that has implications for Britain’s future leadership and its relationship with the EU. Plus: why Kenya is compensating protest victims, design news and an Art Basel round-up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s at stake at this year’s Russia-Asean summit?
Leaders and officials from across Southeast Asia join Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, in Kazan. Then: Chicago prepares for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Plus: MC Escher’s London retrospective, global UFO policies and the future of luxury concierge services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump calls on Russia to end the war in Ukraine after meeting Zelensky in France
On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains and after meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, US president Trump said that Moscow should make a deal to end its war with Kyiv. Have European leaders finally got Trump on side? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump says that a deal with Iran has been signed on the US side as questions swirl at G7
Is Lebanon included in the new US-Iran deal and is Netanyahu on board? Plus: Mark Carney’s role at the G7 summit, a flick through the Paris papers and a preview of Art Basel 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France shapes the G7 agenda at a moment of unusually high geopolitical tension
As the G7 summit kicks off today in Évian-les-Bains, we assess how France is shaping the agenda. Plus: we discuss the results of the immigration referendum in Switzerland and visit the Musée Yves Saint Laurent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EU capitals consider overhauling the bloc’s diplomatic service. What went wrong?
France and Germany are reportedly weighing a major overhaul of the EU’s diplomatic service, including proposals to scale back powers from the European External Action Service and return them to member states and EU institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump vows revenge for downed helicopter and talk delays: is the ceasefire over?
Donald Trump threatens that Iran will ‘pay the price’ for drawing out negotiations. But as inflation in the US hits a three-year high, is it Americans who are paying more? Plus: countdown to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Europe build a stronger defence industry after its flagship military aviation project is abandoned?
As France and Germany abandon plans for a next-generation fighter aircraft, we assess the possibilities for European governments to build a stronger defence industry. Plus: we join our design editor at the opening day of 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Iran still intend to make a deal with the US?
President Donald Trump has insisted that negotiations will continue. But does Iran still want to make a deal? Plus: All Accor’s ace partnership, smoke-free success in Sweden and why life is getting grizzly in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kosovo goes to the polls again and South Africa’s immigration protests grow
As Kosovo votes in its third parliamentary election in 18 months, we explore the presidential deadlock that caused it. Then: South Africa’s leader faces pressure from anti-immigration protests. Plus: life in Cuba, the future of print in the art world and Meta reacts to Australia’s journalist laws. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Armenia decides between peace and conflict, Russia and Europe
Armenia heads to the polls in a pivotal election this weekend, with voters considering whether peace with Azerbaijan is a good thing, and whether Russia or the EU is a better ally. Plus: Mark Speich of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation on Germany’s role in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel bombs Lebanon as ‘ceasefire’ extension is discussed in Washington
Delegates from Israel and Lebanon meet to discuss the ever-weakening truce with Hezbollah. Plus: local elections in South Korea, the future of office furniture in Tokyo and Helsinki Fashion Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turkey navigates a fragmented Middle East as Ankara prepares for Trump at the Nato summit
Turkey’s diplomatic balancing act. We examine how Ankara has positioned itself between regional rivals and whether its strategy is paying off. With Ankara hosting the Nato summit in July, can Erdoğan keep all parties on side? Plus: France’s Palace designation and Japan’s unusual approach to preventing bear attacks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran suspends US talks as Israel expands military action in Lebanon
Iran has suspended indirect talks with the US in response to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon. As Tehran moves toward a complete block of the Strait of Hormuz, we discuss the collapse of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and the growing risk of a wider regional war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
