The Globalist – Monocle Radio
Episode Date: Monday, 22 December 2025
Host: Emma Nelson
Duration: 30 minutes
Episode Overview
This episode delivers Monocle’s signature sharp analysis of global news, with an in-depth look at Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s enduring leadership, a review of the European front pages, and lively discussions ranging from Christmas diplomatic tips to the latest in London’s theatre scene. Special guests include Giorgio Orlandi (Euronews), Lyn O’Donnell (Foreign Policy), and theatre critic Matt Wolf.
Main Feature: The Staying Power of Giorgia Meloni
Segment Start: 01:28
Key Points
- Meloni’s Political Durability:
Italy is notorious for government instability, yet Meloni is now leading the third longest-lasting executive in modern Italian history, with her party still topping polls over three years in office. - Moderation and Coalition Management:
Though she started in the neo-fascist MSI party at 15, Meloni is now balancing between pro-EU and Eurosceptic elements, using her coalition’s diversity to her advantage. - Media and International Recognition:
International outlets like Time and The Economist have highlighted Meloni as a stabilizing force and “exceptional politician.” - Foreign and EU Policy:
Meloni has shifted from earlier Euroscepticism, ensuring Italian access to significant EU recovery funds and positioning Italy as a bold, credible voice internationally. - Relationship with Donald Trump:
Meloni has fostered a personal rapport with Trump and US conservatives, enhancing Italy’s profile and credibility in international arenas. - Potential Weaknesses:
Critics note her government’s failures, especially regarding long-overdue reforms and press freedom, questioning her ability to sustain stability as challenges loom in 2026.
Notable Quotes
- On Meloni’s popularity:
“She's very popular... her party is still leading the polls. These are facts that cannot be disputed.”
—Giorgio Orlandi (02:54) - On managing coalition contradictions:
“She has been able to maintain Italy's political contradictions while still gaining support.”
—Giorgio Orlandi (04:00) - On balancing Italy’s place in Europe:
“She’s basically realized that Italy cannot alienate itself and distance itself from the EU... it cannot live without support from the EU.”
—Giorgio Orlandi (06:50) - On Meloni’s relationship with Trump:
“She’s someone that has put probably her political Persona ahead of anything else... and this is something that has paid off.”
—Giorgio Orlandi (09:25) - On challenges ahead:
“The main question is whether Meloni will be able to keep this status quo, which has maintained her in power for the past few years.”
—Giorgio Orlandi (11:16)
International Headlines
Segment Start: 13:11
Highlighted Stories
- US–Venezuela Tensions:
The US Coast Guard is intercepting Venezuelan oil tankers amid accusations that oil funds drug-related crime. Venezuela calls the seizures “theft and kidnapping.” - Israel’s West Bank Settlements:
Approval of 19 new settlements aimed at blocking a Palestinian state. - Australia Gun Law Debate:
The New South Wales parliament is reviewing gun ownership limits after the Bondi Beach mass shooting; critics label the legislation rushed.
Front Page Review: With Lyn O’Donnell
Segment Start: 14:27
Discussion Points
- Venezuelan Oil Tanker Seizures:
Lyn sees a continuity of the Trump administration’s hardline approach, linking US actions to domestic politics (e.g., Senator Rubio’s anti-Cuba stance). - Extrajudicial Ship Seizures:
O’Donnell is highly critical of US interventions:
“There is no evidence that we as a public... are being offered... This is still extrajudicial murder, in my humble opinion.” (17:15) - Geopolitical Rule-breaking:
She draws parallels to Trump’s rhetoric abroad, noting that his undermining of the press emboldened autocratic crackdowns worldwide, including Afghanistan:
“The degradation of rule of law internationally is... a dangerous slippery slope.” (18:17) - Political Insult Evolution:
The rise of “theatre kid” as the latest dismissive label in US politics, replacing “snowflake,” is explored with a wry take on language’s decline in public discourse.
Notable Quotes
- “It's just one more step in the degradation of language... there doesn’t seem to be any decency or respect in public discourse anymore.”
—Lyn O’Donnell (19:39) - “Donald Trump has lowered [political name-calling] to his greatest achievement...”
—Lyn O’Donnell (21:36)
Seasonal Segment: Agony Uncle Andrew’s Christmas Protocols
Segment Start: 22:36
Advice Highlights (with Quotes and Humor)
- Dealing with Festive Guests:
“By all means, let your mother have the neighbours around, but don't change out of your pyjamas or desist from your loafing... the neighbours... will deduce that your mother and indeed your entire family are insane and duly duck her invitation next year.”
—Andrew Muller (22:50) - Winning Family Arguments:
On Christmas dinner disputes: “If you’d like to do better than resigned inebriation... it’s a question of research— not into the truth, because nobody’s interested in that anymore...”
—Andrew Muller (23:48) - Respecting Muppet Christmas Traditions:
“If they call your bluff... your son [should] open his special present from Santa— a drum kit [during the opening credits of ‘The Snowman’].”
—Andrew Muller (25:09) - Christmas Dinner Etiquette:
On dealing with a mother’s poor cooking: “As a British citizen... you deal deftly with this dilemma with such phrases as, ‘I can’t ask you to make dinner for so many people’... which all translate broadly as: you couldn’t pay me enough to bolt back one more reluctant mouthful of your inedible slop.”
—Andrew Muller (26:11)
Theatre Review: With Matt Wolf
Segment Start: 30:09
What’s Hot on London’s Stages
- Paddington Bear the Musical (Savoy Theatre):
A “hit new musical” with broad intergenerational appeal, praised for its clever production and original score— hailed as “the best original British theatre score for music since Matilda, and that was 15 years ago” (32:10). - Christmas Day (Almeida Theatre):
Presents a “darkened version” of family Christmas, replete with secrets and tension— “just when we think we've seen the worst, we haven’t.” (34:06) - O Mary (London from New York):
An “out-of-its-mind” comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln reinvented as an aspiring cabaret star, lauded for its “goodwill” and unconventional structure (37:21).
Notable Moment
- “There is nothing like a hit new musical in general to kind of turbocharge the theatric, but particularly a musical like this that actually says something about how we live now or how we would like to live now.”
—Matt Wolf (32:10)
Memorable Exchanges
- Paddington Bear reveal:
“He brought me a bear, everybody... a bear with a little red cap and a duffel coat.”
—Emma Nelson (31:01) - Christmas Table Survival:
“However bad your Christmas dinner table is going to be, it won’t be as bad as this particular family’s.”
—Matt Wolf (35:14) - On Christmas Trees:
“Your Austrian father is completely correct. The clue is in the name. It’s a Christmas tree, not a we-haven’t-even-had-goddamn-Halloween-yet tree.”
—Andrew Muller (29:31)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Meloni’s Resilience and Foreign Policy: 02:49 – 12:25
- International Headlines: 13:11 – 14:27
- European Press Review with Lyn O’Donnell: 14:27 – 21:57
- Agony Andrew Holiday Advice: 22:36 – 29:50
- Theatre Review with Matt Wolf: 30:09 – 37:54
Tone and Style
The tone throughout is informative, witty, and conversational. Host Emma Nelson maintains a brisk pace but leaves plenty of room for deep dives and playful asides. The guest contributors bring both expertise and personality, ensuring a rich and engaging exploration of current affairs, cultural trends, and seasonal dilemmas.
Summary Statement
This Globalist episode is a punchy, insightful snapshot of Europe and the world as the holidays approach—mixing politics, global headlines, cultural reflection, and festive humor. Listeners come away both better informed and entertained, with a particular appreciation for Meloni’s complex leadership, the subtleties of public insult in politics, and the joys and hazards of Christmas family traditions.