Monocle 24: The Globalist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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’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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.