The Globalist — Monocle Radio

Episode Date: Monday, 29 December 2025
Host: Georgina Godwin
Key Contributors: Gurana Grgic, Yossi Meckelburg, Natalia Sutherland, Emma Nelson

Episode Overview

This brisk 30-minute episode of The Globalist delivers in-depth analysis of ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, diplomatic moves in the Middle East, and notable current affairs across Europe and the Pacific. The team examines the evolving state of international mediation, reviews diplomatic headlines, and pays tribute to the late French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine Peace Talks & US Diplomacy

(01:19 - 10:15)

Progress & Sticking Points

• Georgina Godwin outlines the context: Recent heavy Russian bombardments on Ukraine coincided with President Zelensky's meeting with Donald Trump in Florida. The peace process is reportedly 90% complete, but significant territorial issues remain unresolved.
• Gurana Grgic (Monocle Security Correspondent, Zurich) explains there’s progress—especially on U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees, which marks a shift from ten months ago. However, the “hardest issue that remains is… territorial concessions… the status of Donbas… unresolved until democratic license through… parliamentary approval or a referendum in Ukraine.” (02:53)

Public Statements and Mediation Tone

• Both Trump and Zelensky “seemed more upbeat, but also somewhat vague.” The outcome's ambiguity reflects both leaders' political needs and the complexity of the conflict. Trump claimed the parties are “getting closer to a deal, but they may be very close, but also they might not be as close. So it depends.” (04:02)

• European leaders express cautious optimism; Paris set to host a “coalition of the willing” to advance the process.

Russia’s Perspective

• Grgic: “Kremlin-aligned voices were publicly positive about Trump's mediation.” Notably, “Putin spoke with Trump before Zelensky came to Mar-a-Lago… that sequencing keeps happening, where Putin seems to be in Trump's ear before Zelensky.” (05:00)

U.S. Domestic Implications

• The MAGA base is ambivalent about Trump’s increased foreign entanglements. Grgic: “MAGA has originally been more about sort of withdrawal rather than deep engagement in the world… Trump wasn’t elected actually to do these sort of international tours, but rather to improve the lives of his base.” (08:49)

2. Middle East Diplomacy: Gaza, Israel, and Iran

(06:03 - 14:32)

Trump-Netanyahu Gaza Ceasefire Talks

• Trump to meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu, aiming to push the transition from “Phase One” to “Phase Two” of the Gaza ceasefire—establishing an “Interim Authority of International Stabilization Force,” likely US-led.
• Frustrations rise in Washington over continued Israeli ceasefire violations and talk of possible escalation with Lebanon/Hezbollah and Iran.

Regional Tensions

• Netanyahu's travel was closely monitored due to potential ICC arrest warrants, affecting flight routes.

  “Everyone is following his airplane from Tel Aviv all the way to Florida…to make sure it doesn’t fly over countries that might…force the airplane to land there and arrest him.” — Yossi Meckelburg (12:40)

• Meckelburg notes the Israeli government hints at both permanent military presence and civilian settlements in North Gaza, which could further complicate peace efforts.

Iran’s Stance

• Europe imposes snapback sanctions; Iran feels encircled and accuses the West of regime change motives. “We are all surrounded, we attack, we were physically attacked. They forget they also launched missiles at Israel at the time.” —Meckelburg (14:42)

3. Review of Headlines and European Front Pages

(11:03 - 20:38)

Asia-Pacific Highlights

• China launches major military drills around Taiwan, simulating key regional seizures—heightening tensions.
• Myanmar elections close amid accusations of unfairness, with continuing violence under military rule.
• 72-hour ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia holds, allowing some evacuees to return home.

US Immigration & Demographic Shifts

• Meckelburg discusses a New York Times piece imagining "zero immigration" America, warning against the loss of vibrancy and sustainability for an aging society.

  “One of the beautiful [things about] the United States…is a country of…immigration…If you start removing many people, you feel it in different communities.” (16:25)

AI and the Workforce

• Bernie Sanders calls AI “the most consequential technology in humanity,” expressing concern over job losses, lack of congressional debate, and emotional toll of technological replacement.

  “Not a single discussion in Congress [about AI] is unbelievable.” — Meckelburg summarizing Sanders (20:38)

Cultural Heritage: The Bayeux Tapestry

• The medieval tapestry insured for £800 million is set to temporarily return to England.

4. Pacific News Roundup

(22:22 - 29:17)
with Natalia Sutherland

Bondi Beach Hero’s Interview

• Ahmed Al Ahmed, Syrian immigrant and grocery worker in Australia, gave his first full interview regarding his actions to disarm a gunman during the Bondi Beach attack on December 14th, becoming a national symbol of heroism. He was shot five times during the event but remains humble:

  “He says it was his soul that told him to go forward and to save people. He just wanted to stop the shooting and the killing he was seeing.” — Sutherland (22:49)

• Al Ahmed's modesty and resilience have sparked public fundraising totaling over 2.5 million AUD for his recovery.

MH370 Search Resumes

• "Ocean Infinity, a UK and US based robotics company, is resuming the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, ten years after its disappearance. The operation is on a 'no find, no fee' basis, with hope but little certainty." — Sutherland (25:43)

New Zealand Festival Crisis

• Many summer festivals in New Zealand have been canceled or postponed due to residual COVID losses and a weak economy. Classic festivals like Splore will not run, though there is limited government support, mainly for new events.

5. Obituary: Brigitte Bardot (1934–2025)

(29:53 - 36:58)
with Emma Nelson

• Bardot transformed cinema and cultural norms with her breakout in Roger Vadim's And God Created Woman (1956). “Bardot would become symbolic of a kind of sexual abandon and a French womanhood that endures even today. But her legacy will be a complicated one…” — Nelson (29:53)

• Bardot became an international icon, her image likened to the "French Beatles." After cinematic stardom and controversy, she transitioned to animal rights activism, founding a notable foundation and liquidating personal assets to fund it.

• In later years, Bardot’s far-right views and inflammatory statements provoked legal consequences, alienating some former admirers but solidifying her as a figure of uncompromising independence.

  “I gave my beauty and my youth to men. Now I’m giving my wisdom and experience, the best of me to animals.” — Brigitte Bardot (quoted by Emma Nelson) (34:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The hardest issue that remains is the issue of territorial concessions… the status of Donbas… which remains unresolved until it's given democratic license…” — Gurana Grgic (02:53)
• “MAGA wasn't elected actually to do these sort of international tours, but rather to improve the lives of his base.” — Gurana Grgic (08:49)
• “One of the beautiful things about the United States…is a country of immigration…If you start removing many people, you feel it…” — Yossi Meckelburg (16:25)
• "Not a single discussion in Congress [about AI] is unbelievable." — Bernie Sanders (via Yossi Meckelburg) (20:38)
• “He says it was his soul that told him to go forward and to save people. He just wanted to stop the shooting and the killing…” — Natalia Sutherland on Ahmed Al Ahmed (22:49)
• "Bardot would become symbolic of a kind of sexual abandon and a French womanhood that endures even today..." — Emma Nelson (29:53)

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

• Ukraine Peace Talks Analysis: 01:19–10:15
• Middle East/Gaza/Netanyahu/Trump: 06:03–14:32
• Asia-Pacific Highlights & Ceasefires: 11:03–14:32
• US Immigration & AI Concerns: 16:17–20:38
• Bondi Hero Interview / MH370 / NZ Festivals: 22:22–29:17
• Brigitte Bardot Tribute: 29:53–36:58

Tone

The episode is measured and analytical, mixing brisk news summaries with nuanced discussions and flashes of wit. The panel maintains a thoughtful, balanced engagement, especially on contentious geopolitical shifts and social issues, while ending the show with an evocative tribute to an enduring—and controversial—cultural icon.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive yet concise overview of The Globalist’s December 29, 2025 episode, focusing on international affairs, diplomacy, current events, and cultural milestones.