The Globalist – “Johannesburg braces for G20 summit protests”

Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Chris Chermack (Monocle Radio)
Guests: Antony Squatsin (Bloomberg News Africa), Tara O’Connor (Africa Risk Consulting), Harris Georgiadis (Cyprus Parliament), Noel Salmi (Monocle/Zurich), Alessio Patalano (King’s College London), Gabe Bullard (Basel), Garry Boyle (Bangkok)

Overview

This episode of The Globalist centers on the high-stakes G20 summit in Johannesburg amidst U.S. President Donald Trump’s dramatic boycott and apparent moves to expel South Africa from the G20. The show explores the impact of this boycott on diplomatic relations, African priorities, evolving global alliances, and possible shifts in multilateral dynamics. The program also covers Cyprus peace talks, deteriorating Japan-China relations, international arts news, and the drama surrounding the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. G20 Summit in Johannesburg: U.S. Boycott and Global Repercussions

• Context:
  First ever G20 summit hosted in Africa; U.S. President Donald Trump has boycotted, suggesting South Africa should be ejected from the bloc.
• Johannesburg’s Mood (03:46):
  • Antony Squatsin: “People are quite bullish. The US boycott isn’t ideal, but it’s strengthened South Africa’s relations with its long-term partners, especially the EU. Most countries are indicating support and want the summit to be a success.”
  • The U.S. attempted some last-minute diplomatic engagement by sending a deputy ambassador, intensifying bilateral tensions.
• African and South African Priorities (04:52):
  • Tara O’Connor: “With Trump not there—he’s famous for taking all the oxygen out of the room—the G19 has real possibilities. This is a chance to showcase the world how Africa can operate without the U.S.”
  • Key themes: solidarity, equality, and sustainability (anathema to Trump administration); the focus is on progress without U.S. disruption.
  • “Yesterday’s bilateral between the EU and South Africa, couched in language of reliability and trusted partners, was a clear jibe at the unreliability of the Trump administration.”
• Summit Outcomes and U.S. Absence (06:21):
  • Question of whether Trump miscalculated and will be left out of key global shifts.
  • Antony Squatsin: “There’s real resolve to support South Africa and push ahead. It’s problematic to have a consensus communiqué without the U.S., but leaders want to find a workaround.”
  • Likely focus on debt relief, climate, sustainability, and reducing global inequality—highlighting a report by Joseph Stiglitz commissioned by President Ramaphosa.
• Balance of Power & China’s Role (07:57):
  • China’s premier attending instead of President Xi; significant Nigerian presence.
  • Other key African nations see opportunity for influence, especially bringing forward debt and inequality issues and reinforcing the importance of multilateral institutions.
  • “This is a vital chance for other nations to rub shoulders with the ‘great and good’ of 19 countries.”
• Downgraded Participation, Future of G20 (10:06):
  • Trump’s absence and Xí’s non-attendance slightly diminish the summit.
  • South Africa still pleased with broad attendance, despite disappointment over key absences.

2. Revived Cyprus Peace Talks

• Background:
  • Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 intervention, with periodic, often unsuccessful, peace talks.
• Current Developments (12:08):
  • Harris Georgiadis (Cyprus Parliament): Skeptical optimism about new talks, noting that real leeway lies with Ankara (Turkey), not just Turkish Cypriot leadership.
  • “Unless we see a real change in Turkey’s approach to the EU, democracy, and rule of law, I would remain skeptical.”
• Greek Cypriot Perspective (16:07):
  • Strong support for a single, federal state, aligned with UN and EU frameworks.
  • Flat refusal of a two-state solution: “Sovereign equality would mean two states—this is not acceptable to the Greek Cypriots, the UN, or the EU.”
  • Removal of Turkish troops seen as essential for functional security.
• UN-led Talks (19:22):
  • Talks must be based on federation/UN framework.
  • “Resolution on a federal basis could transform the East Mediterranean into a region of collaboration and peace—but as always, it takes two to tango.”

3. Japan-China Tensions

• Recent Spark:
  • Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi suggested a possible response to a theoretical Chinese invasion of Taiwan, prompting Beijing’s strong reaction.
• Current Situation (32:56):
  • Alessio Patalano:
    • “The sharpness of Beijing’s escalatory moves was surprising, but the remarks from Tokyo were carefully worded. Beijing’s reaction will take time to calm down.”
    • Walk-back will be about Beijing’s perception of respect from Japan; it’s more theatre than substance at this stage.
    • China showing growing military confidence, using planned exercises as signaling to reinforce its rising power.
    • “Xi Jinping has made clear that military power underwrites China’s renewed world role—showcasing this is part of the journey.”

4. World News Briefs

• Ukraine Peace Talks:
  • President Zelensky open to U.S.-backed peace plan with Trump, though Europe pushes back over concessions required from Kyiv. (21:16, 41:00)
• Japan Economic Stimulus:
  • $135B package approved under new PM Takaichi, stoking investor concerns over debt and weakening currency. (21:16)
• Brazilian Tariffs:
  • U.S. lifts tariffs on key Brazilian imports, but not others; ongoing trade friction. (21:16)

5. Global Arts & Culture Roundup

• Frida Kahlo Auction (46:27):
  • Record-setting sale of “El Sueño (La Cama)” for $54.7 million, the highest upfront price for a work by a woman artist.
• Wicked 2 Film Release:
  • Debate over the trend of multi-part film musicals; critical reception largely positive.
  • Gabe Bullard: “It seems like people tend to like music on screen… Broadway is enjoying a revival in film form.”
• Meta-narrative on Criticism:
  • Growing new forms of cultural criticism on platforms like Letterboxd and Goodreads as traditional staff roles decline.
  • “There’s a hunger for qualitative evaluation, but confusion about who should be doing it.”

6. Miss Universe Pageant Scandal in Bangkok

• Controversy Recap (53:34):
  • Drama peaked with two judges resigning over alleged competition rigging; one banned permanently.
  • Tensions between Thai and Mexican franchise owners, accusations of favoritism after Miss Mexico’s victory.
  • Garry Boyle: “It’s been months of tantrums and tiaras… The pageant has been sprinkled with intrigue—a secretive cabal of judges, accusations flying.”
• Social Impact:
  • Pageant retains massive popularity in Southeast Asia; significant pride and hopes tied to national candidates like Miss Philippines.
  • Criticism over perceived behind-the-scenes machinations and its relevance today.

7. Notable Humour & Commentary

• Andrew Muller’s “What We Learned” (39:04):
  • Highlights media mishaps (Trump calling a reporter “Piggy”), notorious politicians’ names, and quirky records (matchsticks up nose).
  • Satirical take on global events:
    • “Musically inane, lyrically vacuous, and culturally pernicious…” (re John Lennon’s Imagine, 41:30)
    • “Donald Trump… does not care for follow-up questions, especially from women.” (43:15)

Selected Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Antony Squatsin on G20’s mood:
  “People are quite bullish… The boycott by the US is obviously not ideal, but it seems to have strengthened South Africa’s relations with its long-term traditional partners… Most countries are indicating they will do their best to make the meeting a success.” (03:46)

• Tara O’Connor on Trump’s absence:
  “The fact that Donald Trump will not be there—he’s famous for taking all the oxygen out of the room… There’s a possibility to show how Africa can operate without the USA.” (04:52)

• Harris Georgiadis on Cyprus Talks:
  “It takes two to tango. Let’s hear clearly from the Turkish government that they are willing to facilitate federal reunification of Cyprus.” (19:22)

• Alessio Patalano on China’s behavior:
  “There’s a tactical opportunism from a political point of view the Chinese have displayed… Military exercises become really important signposting events.” (37:03)

• Garry Boyle on Miss Universe drama:
  “Three months of tantrums and tiaras… a secretive cabal of judges… This has ended up with more eyes on the pageant than otherwise.” (54:14, 55:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• G20 Summit in Johannesburg: 03:46 – 10:59
• Cyprus Peace Talks: 12:08 – 21:07
• Japan-China Relations: 32:56 – 38:33
• Arts & Culture / Frida Kahlo Auction: 46:19 – 49:59
• Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok: 53:34 – 58:22
• Humorous news wrap (Andrew Muller): 39:04 – 45:22

Tone and Language

The episode maintains Monocle’s signature style—polished, globally minded yet relaxed, with a mix of straight reporting, knowledgeable expert insight, and light, incisive wit. The humor and cultural asides (particularly in Andrew Muller’s segments and the Miss Universe coverage) provide a lively counterbalance to the gravity of international diplomacy.

Takeaway

This episode captures a key inflection point in global diplomacy—Africa’s increasing agency, a fracturing G20, and the reconfiguration of alliances with the U.S.’s voluntary withdrawal from multilateralism. The vivid snapshots from Cyprus and East Asia highlight the fragility and persistence of old conflicts, while the lively coverage of arts and culture and global curiosities underscores how global headlines are woven through all facets of modern life.