The Globalist – Tuesday 23 December 2025

Podcast Summary by Monocle Radio

Overview

This episode of The Globalist (aired 23 December 2025) offers a brisk 30-minute sweep across global current affairs, anchored by Georgina Godwin in London. Key highlights include a detailed breakdown of a pivotal US-Swiss pharmaceutical deal, analysis of the US’s renewed interest in Greenland, European political turbulence, somber yet significant news from Africa, and a festive feature straight from Santa Claus’ home in Finnish Lapland. The show also pays tribute to Chris Rea, the artist behind the seasonal hit “Driving Home for Christmas.”

1. Switzerland’s Pharma Giants and the Trump Administration

[01:37–07:29]

Key Discussion Points:

• The US has brokered a deal with major pharmaceutical firms (notably Swiss giants Novartis and Roche) to lower drug prices for Medicaid and direct sales, in return for a three-year suspension of tariffs.
• The agreement includes price alignment with the lowest prices in developed nations, more US investment, and sales through the “Trump X” platform.
• The specifics of the agreement remain confidential, but the repercussions are broad for Swiss industry and global drug pricing.

Timestamps and Notable Quotes:

• [02:35] Fabienne Kinzelman on what was agreed:
  “The drug companies commit to lower prescription drug prices for Americans so that they would be in line with the lowest prices paid by other developed nations. …They also agreed to invest more in the US, but we don't know what exactly is in the deals as they are secret.”

• [03:08] Affected drugs:
  “Mainly costly and chronic conditions are affected by the price cuts. So, for example, type 2 diabetes drugs, drugs for MS, hepatitis, and certain cancers.”

• [03:32] Tariff relief motivation:
  “Trump has threatened the drug makers to use every weapon in his arsenal. That could mean FDA approvals, maybe speeding them up for those who cooperate, or slowing them down for those who don’t.”

• [04:31] On the US market’s importance:
  “Roche and Novartis both make around half of their revenue in the US.”

• [05:19] Potential European price pressure:
  “The US introduced a new model in November—a reference price basket to compare with certain European countries (including Switzerland) to help set US prices.”

• [05:51] Trump’s dealmaking style:
  "A deal with Trump is never finished because he's always looking for the next deal. …even signed deals can be renegotiated."

• [06:54] Political context:
  "He’s probably looking for very quick, very fast results... that's why he was so eager to close the deals with drug makers before year end so the price cuts could kick in before he starts campaigning for the midterms."

Insight:
The episode underscores the financial and political leverage the US wields over Swiss pharma, the unpredictability of Trump-era trade policy, and the broader ripple effect this may have on global medicine pricing.

2. Headline News Briefs

[08:22–09:41]

• US Pursues Greenland: Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to acquire Greenland, leading to flat rejections by Denmark and Greenland.
• Conflict in Ukraine: Russia escalates assaults on Odesa and Kyiv.
• France’s Budget Crisis: Gridlock in Paris over the 2026 budget prompts government attempts to avoid a shutdown.

3. The US’s Renewed Greenland Ambitions

[09:41–14:50]

Key Discussion Points:

• President Trump’s Continental US expansion obsessions resurface, fixating on Greenland’s strategic value.
• Appointing Jeff Landry as a volunteer “special envoy” triggers outrage in Denmark and Greenland.
• Trump’s penchant for naming national symbols after himself (e.g., “Trump Kennedy Center,” “Trump class” Navy warships).
• Tension within the conservative movement influenced by Trump's pivot from isolationism to assertive foreign policy.

Timestamps and Notable Quotes:

• [11:44] Chris Chermack:
  “The prime minister of Greenland said: ‘We shape our own future. Greenland is ours and our borders will be respected.’ The Danish foreign minister is outraged, deeply outraged.”

• [11:53] On Trump’s fixations becoming policy:
  “Certain things that maybe in the first term…started as a joke, now he believes he can actually do them.”

• [12:42] Symbolic renaming spree:
  "He has named himself also the director of the Kennedy Center... And now a new Navy battleship class, the Trump class."

• [14:19] Show of force vs. practicality:
  “The Navy has been going for smaller, more nimble...but Donald Trump wants a show of force.”

• [14:50] Conservative movement’s divisions:
  “…He came to power on America first…and now people are extremely upset at his focus on foreign policy.”

Memorable Moment:

• The naming binge and the idea of a “Golden Fleet” of warships, reflects Trump’s branding and assertive international strategy, even amid skepticism from military experts and Congress.

4. European Front Pages: AfD and Kremlin Links

[15:46–17:57]

• Germany’s AfD Questioned:
  Die Spiegel and Politico expose how the far-right AfD party amassed 7,000 sensitive inquiries about military and humanitarian transits to Ukraine, raising alarm about whether this intelligence aids Russia.
• Quote [17:39]: Georgina Godwin:
  “Yeah, a Trojan horse if you like.”
• The AfD denies allegations, citing transparency and parliamentary oversight.

5. Australia: Political Fractures after the Bondi Beach Attack

[17:57–19:56]

• Post-Hanukkah attack bipartisan unity has frayed; PM Albanese faces criticism over antisemitism and gun control measures.
• Quote [18:04] Chris Chermack:
  “A country will come together…But that has now gone. Over a week later you’re seeing a lot of divisions…Opposition is accusing Albanese of using [gun law reforms] to distract from his failure to root out antisemitism.”
• Albanese is booed at memorials, reflecting deepening social and political divides.

6. Remembering Chris Rea, the Christmas Hitmaker

[19:56–21:27]

• Chris Rea, famed for “Driving Home for Christmas,” dies at 74.
• Quote [20:54] Georgina Godwin:
  “In his driving test he took it in one of his dad’s ice cream vans. He had to do an emergency stop. The examiner fell off the box he was sitting on and cut his leg…but he still passed me.”
• Stories highlighting Rea’s humble roots and enduring popularity.

7. Africa News Roundup (with Naveena Kotor in Nairobi)

[22:31–29:37]

a) US Recalls Diplomats from 29 Countries

• US embassies in Africa to lose key personnel—15 African ambassadors recalled, likely politicizing foreign service posts.
• Quote [23:10] Naveena Kotor:
  “The concern…is that it sort of pushes diplomats towards a more America-first trade and business focused dealing.”

b) Suspended US-Kenya Health Agreement

• $2.5 billion health partnership blocked by Kenyan court over data privacy, especially US access to Kenyan health records.
• Quote [25:03] Naveena Kotor:
  “…this agreement provides or facilitates a transfer and sharing of medical and sensitive personal health data even after any agreement has been term.”

c) South Africans Tricked Into Russian War

• Seventeen young South Africans duped into Russian military service under the pretense of bodyguard training, with former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter under investigation for alleged involvement in human trafficking.
• Quote [26:35] Naveena Kotor:
  “They had to sign contracts IN RUSSIAN LANGUAGE they say they did not understand and they've been sent to the front lines in Russia.”

d) K-pop/Afrobeats Collaboration

• Korean entertainment giant Hybe signs South African star Tyler, highlighting Africa’s burgeoning music industry.
• Quote [28:38] Naveena Kotor:
  “Afrobeats being a big, big success, the Grammy Awards having now its own African music performance category…”

8. Lapland Special: An Interview with Santa Claus

[29:37–36:49] with Petri Birtsoff & Santa Claus

Key Moments:

• Petri Birtsoff visits Santa’s “city home” in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, amid deep snow and twinkling Christmas magic.
• Santa lays claim to the town as his real (public) home, with a secret residence deep in the forest.

Timestamps and Notable Quotes:

• [31:35] Santa on his home:
  “Yes, this is my city home in Rovaniemi. …my real home [is] in the very, very deep forest, but that's a top secret.”

• [32:45] On the ‘real’ Santa:
  “This is the only place where I live and that's in Rovaniemi.”

• [33:37] Santa on wishes:
  “At first they ask if they are on the very nice list. …Sometimes they ask for a lot of good health. …Someone asked me for a Lamborghini.”

• [34:36] Gift manufacturing constraints:
  “They ask for some very technical stuff. I'm not so sure that my elf can make any iPads and iPhones and something like that…”

• [34:43] Elf School:
  “I have a very good [elf] school… it takes a little bit time, about 99 years.”

• [36:01] Santa’s Christmas Eve advice:
  “They have to be very nice and very kind to each other…keep the chimney clean and no fire in the fireplace…it’s so healthy for my stomach. …And no Santa traps in the garden.”

• [36:46] Santa’s sign-off:
  “Merry Christmas and all the best to all of you in the whole world.”

Atmosphere:
A charming, immersive detour from hard news, the segment brings warmth and tradition to listeners, reinforcing Lapland’s claim as Santa’s true home.

9. Tribute and Outro

[37:39+]

• Chris Chermack closes the show with a nod to “Driving Home for Christmas,” providing gentle, festive closure.

Episode Highlights & Themes

• Global Power Shifts: US pharmaceutical pressure, Greenland ambitions, and diplomatic shuffles underscore a world in flux.
• European Divides: Germany’s struggle with the far right and foreign influence; France’s financial gridlock.
• Africa in Focus: US-Africa relations, local privacy concerns, international human trafficking, and burgeoning cultural exchanges.
• Human Touch: Interviews with Santa Claus and stories of loss (Chris Rea) lend humanity and seasonal warmth amid the headlines.

For First-Time Listeners:
This episode of The Globalist masterfully balances incisive reporting and broader perspective with lighter, seasonal storytelling. Informative and engaging, it’s a true snapshot of global affairs as the year draws to a close—with just enough holiday cheer.