Podcast Summary: The Globalist – Iran War: Could Turkey be Drawn into the Conflict?

Monocle Radio, March 10, 2026
Host: Georgina Godwin (A)
Key Contributors:

• Hannah Lucinda Smith (E), Istanbul Correspondent
• Fiona Wilson (F), Tokyo Bureau Chief
• Alexandra Kushner (G), Paris studio journalist
• Charlotte Cook (H), Radio New Zealand
• Others: PM Mark Carney, artist Cobra, and more

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the escalating conflict involving Iran and the international dynamics now threatening to draw in Turkey. The team explores Turkey's military and diplomatic maneuvers, the regional and global ripple effects—including on Japan and Europe—and the wider cultural and economic landscape. Notable interviews, European front-page analysis, and cultural highlights round out a comprehensive look at a world facing crisis and transformation.

1. Turkey and the Iran Conflict

[04:33–11:50] – Main Segment with Hannah Lucinda Smith

A. Key Developments

• Two Iranian ballistic missiles recently intercepted over Turkish airspace, shot down by NATO defenses.
• Turkey responded by deploying six F16 fighter jets to northern Cyprus for the protection of Turkish communities, after Iran attacked a British base on the island.

B. Turkey’s Position and Leverage

• Turkey is inadvertently getting pulled into the Iran conflict due to its proximity and NATO membership.
  • “Turkey is being pulled into this war in Iran whether it likes it or not... due to its position, of course.” (Hannah Lucinda Smith, 04:33)
• Despite complicated Sunni/Shia relations with Iran, Turkey shares security concerns (e.g., Kurdish minorities) but is traditionally on opposite sides in regional struggles.

C. The NATO Dynamic

• Turkey is adamant not to invoke Article 4 (NATO collective defense), to avoid full NATO engagement.
  • “Drawing NATO into this war would, you know, be a major, major thing... Erdogan wants to make Turkey a bit of a more standalone country.” (Smith, 08:19)
• Sale and purchase of Russian missile defense system strained relations with NATO allies.

D. US and Kurdish Forces Factor

• Trump’s wavering stance on supporting Kurdish forces in Iran complicates Turkey’s decision-making.
  • “Should Donald Trump back Kurdish forces in Iran, something that Turkey would not be happy with at all? I think that's the most likely thing that's going to unfold.” (Smith, 05:50)
• Close personal relations between Trump and Erdogan, but “this is the first time that that relationship is really being put under strain.” (Smith, 06:33)

E. Cyprus and Regional Jingoism

• Turkish F16s deployed to Cyprus both as actual defense and symbolic assertion, fueling nationalism at home.

F. Refugee Flows and Border Security

• Turkey’s border with Iran is already heavily militarized; while there’s been only a slow stream of refugees so far, a conflict escalation could “change very quickly.” (Smith, 09:50)

G. Limited Mediation Space

• Erdogan initially offered to mediate between Iran, Israel, and the US, but missile attacks on Turkish territory are narrowing that avenue.

Memorable Quote:
“Turkey is involved unilaterally, whether it likes it or not.” (Smith, 09:18)

H. What to Watch For

• “Certainly any indications from Trump over whether he is going to back the Kurdish forces in Iran... that's the major thing to watch for.” (Smith, 11:24)

2. Japan’s Energy Anxiety Amid Crisis

[11:51–16:48] – Fiona Wilson, Tokyo Bureau

A. Oil Supply Shock

• Japan depends on the Middle East for over 90% of crude oil—much through the threatened Strait of Hormuz.
  • “It's going to affect the car industry... There was an absolute drop, third biggest drop in history, the Nikkei yesterday.” (Wilson, 13:00)
• Volatile market: Huge dip, then partial rally supported by G7 promise to release reserves.

B. Government Response & Consumer Impact

• Prime Minister Takaichi considering direct subsidies for households.
  • “Japanese households were already under pressure... this will only add to the pain.” (Wilson, 14:29)

C. Diplomatic Balancing Act

• Japan maintains a careful, fence-sitting approach—avoiding openly criticizing either the US or Iran to protect energy security.
  • “She's not heavily criticizing Iran, but she's also not massively supporting the strikes...” (Wilson, 15:31)

3. European Perspectives & Front Pages

[17:49–26:57] – Alexandra Kushner from Paris

A. Trump vs Iran: Global Reactions

• Trump’s “death, fire, and fury” threat to Iran if it obstructs Strait of Hormuz shipping; global oil and share prices fluctuate accordingly.
  • “President Trump told CBS News that the war is, I quote, very complete, pretty much... and warned Tehran of death, fire and fury...” (Kushner, 17:49)

B. France’s Show of Force

• President Macron sends a major naval force (including the Charles de Gaulle carrier) to the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Mission: Escort/support, not direct offense; also a diplomatic effort to organize international escort of tankers.
• Macron walks a line: Calls Israeli/US strikes illegal but blames Iran for starting hostilities.

C. Domestic Implications in France and UK

• Macron leverages foreign policy for domestic legitimacy as his presidency wanes.
• UK PM Keir Starmer faces internal political crisis due to the war.

4. Global Social Issues and Culture News

[21:41–26:57, 52:43–58:44]

A. Global Gender Equality Backslide

• Ipsos survey: Gen Z men in 29 countries have more traditional views than baby boomers.
• “24% of Gen Z males... think women should not appear too independent or self sufficient.” (Kushner, 21:41)
• Julia Gillard: “Many Gen Z men... are trapping themselves within restrictive gender norms.” (Godwin, 23:30)

B. Truffle as Aspirational Taste

• Truffle flavor now ubiquitous, creating a “premium” illusion as actual luxury becomes unattainable.
  • “Even in a Ryanair flight, if you order truffle flavored crisps, you can imagine yourself in business class.” (Kushner, 25:27)

5. New Zealand’s Golden Visa Controversy

[36:25–45:09] – Charlotte Cook, Wellington

• New Golden Visa allows foreigners to buy/build $5m+ homes, aiming to inject billions into the struggling economy.
  • “At the 5 million New Zealand dollars minimum spend, that's about 3.5 billion New Zealand dollars of new investment...” (Cook, 37:18)
• Previously, foreigners were largely banned from home ownership—now, tighter focus on residency and engagement.
• Housing market dipped ~30% since 2021 peak; visa welcomed as a possible economic boost.
• “Brain drain” ongoing—many New Zealanders (esp. ages 18–30) are leaving for better prospects.

6. Exclusive Interview: Canada's Place in the World

[30:01–36:25] – PM Mark Carney with Tyler Brûlé

• Carney stresses “Canada Strong” as identity—ambitious, reliable, united in civic rather than ethnic/nationalistic terms.
  • “We are a strong, confident, ambitious country... known not just for the strength of our values, but the value of our strength.” (Carney, 32:43)
• Argues for investment in meaningful cultural diplomacy and “showing up Canadian” worldwide.
• Critiques “false economy” of underfunded foreign representation (e.g., embassies).

7. Music Spotlight: Cobra’s ‘Torn’

[46:32–51:53] – Artist Interview

• Swedish pop provocateur Cobra embraces new creative risks with her debut album.
  • “I've always been slightly of a provocateur... so we're supposed to conform to how to write... I'm like, it's not interesting and it's not fun.” (Cobra, 48:31)
• Album journeys from club beats to introspective songwriting; narrative arc describes falling in and out of love and self-discovery.

8. Culture Roundup: Venice Biennale & More

[52:43–58:44] – Sophie Monaghan Combs

• Venice Biennale 2026 draws praise for African representation after curator Kuyokuyo’s recent death.
• Russia’s pavilion returns, stirring protest and controversy over war crimes “whitewashing.”
  • “The activist group Pussy Riot... said, you know, we will definitely be there and we will definitely be protesting.” (Monaghan Combs, 54:43)
• New Oscar category for casting, featuring profile of Nina Gold.
• “Venice is a melting pot of everything that is happening in the world at the moment.” (Monaghan Combs, 56:18)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Smith on Turkey’s Involvement: “Turkey is being pulled into this war in Iran whether it likes it or not...” [04:33]
• Smith on NATO: “Drawing NATO into this war would, you know, be a major, major thing...” [08:19]
• Wilson on Japan’s Market Hit: “There was an absolute drop, third biggest drop in history, the Nikkei yesterday.” [13:00]
• Kushner on Trump’s Statement: “War is, I quote, very complete, pretty much...” [17:49]
• Cobra, on Artistic Defiance: “I've always been slightly of a provocateur... I'm like, it's not interesting and it's not fun.” [48:31]
• Carney on Canada’s Brand: “We are a strong, confident, ambitious country and we're known not just for the strength of our values, but the value of our strength.” [32:43]

Timestamps for Core Segments

• Turkey & Iran: 04:33–11:50
• Japan & Oil Shock: 11:51–16:48
• France/Europe Analysis: 17:49–26:57
• Gender Equality & Truffles: 21:41–26:57
• Canada Exclusive: 30:01–36:25
• New Zealand Golden Visa: 36:25–45:09
• Cobra Interview: 46:32–51:53
• Venice Biennale/Art News: 52:43–58:44

Summary

This episode of The Globalist delivers incisive reportage and expert analysis on the Iranian conflict’s widening impact, with Turkey’s actions and motives under the microscope. The hosts and correspondents thoughtfully navigate how regional maneuvering, global energy security, and shifting alliances are creating new uncertainties for both governments and everyday people across continents. Discussions on social progress, economic policy, culture, and diplomacy reinforce how deeply global crises now inflect every aspect of life.

For listeners interested in geopolitics, domestic policy, culture, and the pulse of international affairs, this episode is an essential, engaging listen.