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The Globalist

Monocle·100 episodes

BusinessNewsGovernmentSocietyCultureTechnologyWeekday newsGlobal affairsMonocle editors55-60 minStandalone episodesBusiness and geopolitics

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.

Why listen

The Globalist is a polished weekday current-affairs hour from Monocle, anchored by its editors in London and Zürich. Each episode moves through the major geopolitical, business and culture stories of the day, with expert voices, European front-page reviews and a distinctly international lens. It is a strong fit for listeners who want world news with context, analysis and a cosmopolitan editorial style rather than a quick headline skim.

Episodes

58 min
Jul 21, 2026
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.

1 hr 1 min
Jul 20, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 17, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 16, 2026
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.

59 min
Jul 15, 2026
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.

57 min
Jul 14, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 13, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 10, 2026
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.

59 min
Jul 9, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 8, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 7, 2026
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.

57 min
Jul 6, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 3, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 2, 2026
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.

58 min
Jul 1, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 30, 2026
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.

1 hr 2 min
Jun 29, 2026
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.

1 hr
Jun 26, 2026
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.

1 hr 3 min
Jun 25, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 24, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 23, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 22, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 19, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 18, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 17, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 16, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 15, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 12, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 11, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 10, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 9, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 8, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 5, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 4, 2026
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.

1 hr 2 min
Jun 3, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 2, 2026
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.

58 min
Jun 1, 2026
Colombia election results and an interview with US tourism envoy Nick Adams

A right-wing political outsider wins the first round of Colombia’s presidential election. Plus: a live interview with Nick Adams, special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism and values, to discuss his new role and Trump’s plan to boost inbound tourism to 100 million visitors by 2030. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 29, 2026
Shangri-La Dialogue opens under the shadow of Iran war and uncertainty over Taiwan

Asia security concerns take centre stage at Shangri-La Dialogue as the region’s premier defence forum gets under way in Singapore. Plus: US-Iran latest, a check-in with the Utopian Hours conference and ‘What We Learned’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 28, 2026
Bolivia’s protests intensify as pressure mounts on president Rodrigo Paz

Large protests continue across Bolivia as pressure mounts on Rodrigo Paz’s government. With demonstrators angry over the economy and leadership, how vulnerable is the administration? Plus: could the CDU replace Friedrich Merz? And: what comes next for Nasa’s Moon ambitions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 27, 2026
Is Russia preparing a major attack on Ukraine? Will Ukraine call their bluff?

Russia urges foreign nationals to leave Kyiv as it prepares a systematic attack. Then: South Korea’s plan for nuclear submarines and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić gets China’s friendship medal. Plus: Greece’s letter to Hollywood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 26, 2026
US launches new strikes against Iran as peace talks continue in Qatar

Delegates gather in Qatar for negotiations to end the war in Iran as the US carries out fresh “self-defence” strikes. Plus: we meet the pioneers behind the first uninterrupted circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

59 min
May 25, 2026
US-Iran peace talks latest as Gulf states reject Tehran’s plan to control Strait of Hormuz

We discuss new diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran war and Pakistan’s attempts at mediation. Plus: political turmoil in Turkey, a flick through the international papers and highlights from the 79th Cannes Film Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 22, 2026
US increases pressure on Cuba and Iran mulls over a new peace proposal

Russia and China condemn Washington’s indictment of Raúl Castro as a US aircraft carrier enters Caribbean waters. With Donald Trump desperate for a post-Iran win, could Cuba be next? Plus: Tehran weighs a new peace proposal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr 1 min
May 21, 2026
Russia turns on the Baltics. And: how insurgents are impeding Ebola rescue efforts

Washington warns Moscow over its escalating rhetoric toward Latvia as Nato’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, rejects Russia’s claims that Baltic states could soon allow Ukrainian drone attacks from their territories. Plus: how rebel groups and Isis-backed insurgents are hampering efforts to contain the new Ebola outbreak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

57 min
May 20, 2026
Why China is engaging rival powers as it hosts Putin

Beijing welcomes Vladimir Putin a week after rolling out the red carpet for Donald Trump. Who really holds the cards? Plus: as we look ahead to the Fifa World Cup, Andrew Mueller assesses what could go wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 19, 2026
Can the G7 contain the economic fallout from the war in Iran?

G7 finance ministers meet as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to roil global economies. Can divisions be overcome? Then: Nic Monisse brings us the latest from NYCxDesign and we hit London’s West End.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 18, 2026
Modi eyes more defense deals and strengthened India-EU trade amid five-nation tour

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has locked in new trade and defense deals with the UAE, Netherlands and Sweden. What’s on the agenda for Norway and Italy? Plus: the papers, Asia news and talks between Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk over more US bases in Greenland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 15, 2026
Chips, rare earths, tariffs: The economic implications of the Trump-Xi summit

The business world watches the Xi-Trump summit as superpowers try to secure a competitive advantage in key industries such as chipmaking. Who holds the real leverage? Then: Modi’s European tour and the latest from Eurovision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 14, 2026
Xi-Trump summit kicks off as Taiwan hangs in the balance

As the leaders of the US and China meet in Beijing, we discuss what’s at stake and get the view from Taipei. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

58 min
May 13, 2026
Trump-Xi summit: US president arrives in Beijing weakened by Iran war and tariff setbacks

The Trump-Xi summit comes at a volatile moment for Washington, with the fragile Iran ceasefire spooking energy markets and Xi Jinping increasingly seen as holding the stronger hand. As Beijing tightens its grip on geopolitical influence, what can Trump achieve on Taiwan, trade and Tehran?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.