The Globalist

Vincent McAvinney, international papers commentator; Anita Riotta, Munich Security Conference reporter; Anastasia Galuchka, Kyiv-based Ukraine reporter; Dr Ishrat Hossein, South Asia politics scholar. They discuss Bangladesh’s pivotal 2026 vote after Sheikh Hasina’s ousting, youth and diaspora influence, party alliances and regional India ties. Also covered: wartime electoral dilemmas in Ukraine and logistics and themes at the Munich Security Conference.

Julia Jen, a Ukrainian-born Monocle researcher, outlines a fast-track, tiered EU access plan for Ukraine. Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent and author, breaks down Netanyahu’s Washington push and its impact on US–Iran diplomacy. They debate timing, leverage and geopolitical risks in short, punchy conversations.

Tara Kangalu, journalist on Iranian politics, outlines recent arrests of reformists and Tehran’s diplomatic posture. Tom Grundy, Hong Kong press freedom editor, discusses Jimmy Lai’s sentence and media exodus. Zoe Grunwald, Westminster editor, covers UK political fallout around Starmer and Mandelson. Ash Bajwaj, travel writer, talks luxury hotel pricing and stricter US visa checks. Gabe Bullard, culture reporter, reports on Basel’s Fasnacht and AI backlash.

Volker Perthes, former UN special representative for Sudan and senior fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. He discusses prospects for a ceasefire and peace plan in Sudan. He examines the feasibility of a US-led roadmap, the need for regional buy-in and pressures on warring parties. The conversation focuses on peace efforts and humanitarian access.

Benoit Foucault, WSJ Middle East correspondent reporting from Muscat, explores the start of US‑Iran talks and regional security ramifications. Titinen Pong Sudarak, Thai political scientist, breaks down Thailand’s high‑stakes election dynamics. Julia Jen, Monocle writer, covers Ukraine updates and tech supply pressures. Andrew Muller, Monocle commentator, delivers a sardonic weekly roundup of cultural and political oddities.

Inga Thorda, media strategist and former BBC/CNN editor, gives political analysis. Gorana Gerjic, security correspondent, outlines risks from the New START expiry. Tom Edwards, summit reporter, files from global gatherings and a Georgian PM interview. Kleber Mendonça Filho, film director, discusses his political thriller. They explore nuclear treaty collapse, arms modernisation, geopolitical trust, summit takeaways and film politics.

Tim Abrams, architecture writer covering museum reopenings and urban design. Lynn O'Donnell, foreign policy columnist with reporting from conflict zones. Stephen Diel, Russia analyst on NATO and the Ukraine war. Oscar Guardiola-Rivero, international law professor and Colombia-US commentator. They discuss Petro at the White House, drug‑trafficking agreements and regional security, NATO credibility and Kyiv visits, unrest in Balochistan, and major architectural projects.

Vicky Price, economist and former joint head of the UK government's economic service, offers brisk market commentary. Steve Cawshaw, author and ex-Human Rights Watch UK director, guides a papers review and global news round-up. Ryan Finity, US defence reporter, reports from the Singapore Airshow on defence manufacturers, China’s AVIC presence and the rise of uncrewed fighter concepts.

Anita Riotta, Monocle Radio producer in Paris who curates European headlines. Charles Hecker, RUSI associate fellow specialising in Russia and international business. They discuss Keir Starmer’s Tokyo visit and UK‑Japan ties. They examine stalled Russia‑Ukraine negotiation dynamics, business roles in talks, and shifting proposals. Conversation also touches on the World Governments Summit in Dubai and the Grammys highlights.

Terry Stiasny, political journalist and author, offers concise international political takes. Matt Wolfe, theatre critic at the International New York Times, reviews stage highlights. Andrew Thompson, Latin America specialist, breaks down Venezuela’s move to open oil to foreign firms and previews Costa Rica’s presidential contest. They also touch on Cuba, regional political shifts and theatre standouts in short, lively segments.