The Globalist – November 18, 2025

Episode Summary

Main Theme:
This episode explores why South Korea has proposed military talks with North Korea, the ongoing risks along their border, new security developments involving the US, and how these fit broader East Asian strategy. The episode also covers major international headlines: the fallout from Sheikh Hasina’s sentence in Bangladesh, Canada’s budget vote, China’s global investments, Ukraine’s military doctrine, and new breakthroughs in luxury travel and aviation.

1. South Korea’s Offer of Military Talks to North Korea

Guest: John Everard, Former UK Ambassador to North Korea
Segment Begins: 03:21

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Border Incursions and the Fragile Ceasefire

  • The military demarcation line (MDL) between North and South Korea was established in 1953 with border posts that have since decayed or moved, partly due to lack of maintenance and natural causes (“eaten by goats”, 03:24).
  • Disputes over the exact line result in regular small incursions: North Korean troops cross what the South regards as its territory, prompting warning shots and tense stand-offs.
    • Quote: "The kind of things that happens to objects left in no man's land. And of course, this means that the two sides now disagree on where exactly that line runs." – John Everard [03:24]
  • North Korea has recently intensified fortification and militarization; the South called for talks to clarify the boundary and avoid escalations.
    • Everard dismisses the prospects: "Chance of that happening? Flying pigs indeed." [04:25]
  • Pyongyang views Seoul as “American toadies” and refuses to engage, rebuffing even President Lee Ji Myung’s unconditional offer for talks.

• Diplomatic Gridlock & Trump's Gambit

  • Seoul has tried to involve former US President Trump in jumpstarting a summit, hoping to leverage his rapport with Kim Jong Un—even though North Korea recently rebuffed direct talks with Trump, especially after the US agreed to help South Korea build nuclear-powered submarines.
    • Quote: “The idea that Donald Trump can wade in and solve it is frankly risible…” – John Everard [06:08]

• Risks of Escalation

  • Everard warns that unclear borders create “non-zero” risks of accidental escalation:
    • Quote: “All it takes is for an overexcited local commander...to order his troops to just dig in and hold the ground.” [07:02]
  • North Korea is unlikely to deescalate in a crisis, and local incidents could spiral before being contained.

• Who Holds the Cards?

  • Despite North Korea’s aggressive posture, Everard says the North faces “deep, deep problems and deep weaknesses” and is not omnipotent. The incursions are likely ordered, not accidental, and intended to assert dominance over the undefined border.

• South Korea’s New Nuclear Submarine Program

  • The US has permitted South Korea to build nuclear-powered subs (not nuclear-armed), a major technological and strategic upgrade.
    • Ongoing debate about where to build—South Korea or Philadelphia—reflects the new scale of cooperation.
  • In return, South Korea will more aggressively align with the US's regional agenda, including pressure on both China and Russia.
    • Quote: “If you are facing an adversary that is nuclear armed with land based missiles and with a huge land army, what is the point of building up your naval capability?...That can only be in pursuit of the U.S. regional agenda, not the South Korean one.” – John Everard [10:33]
  • The elite “nuclear sub club”: South Korea now joins an exclusive group (US, Russia, China, Britain, France, India).

Notable Quotes

• "North Korea has made clear…it's not going to sit down with South Korea. It regards the South Koreans as just a bunch of American toadies." – John Everard [04:31]
• "A lingering cloud? I don't think I'm the only North Korea watcher to roll their eyes at that phrase. This is much more than a lingering cloud. This is a bitter and continuing conflict." – John Everard [06:08]
• “This spate of incursions is [not] accidental. Subalterns on the front line are being ordered to cross into what the north knows very well the south regards as its territory.” – John Everard [08:09]

2. Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death

Guest: Redwan Ahmed, Journalist in Dhaka
Segment Begins: 11:56

Key Discussion Points

• In 2024, mass student-led protests over ending the civil service job quota system (which favored descendants of 1971 freedom fighters) led by Dhaka University students were violently suppressed by police and ruling party activists. The crackdown and mishandling precipitated the flight and ousting of PM Sheikh Hasina.
• This week, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia (she remains in India under Indian protection).
  • Quote: “I spoke to families of protesters…Some of them said Sheikh Hasina has probably been hanged a thousand times for the crimes that she committed.” – Redwan Ahmed [16:13]
  • Public reaction: jubilation in the courtroom, families of slain protesters welcoming the verdict.
• Bangladesh is now requesting extradition from India, but it’s considered unlikely, leading to the possibility of Interpol involvement.
• Diplomatic consequences: India–Bangladesh relations are tense under the interim administration, with hopes of improvement after elections in February.

3. Global Headlines & Front Pages

Host Commentary & Janelle Aldred, Journalist
Discussion Begins: 19:47

Select Highlights

• China’s Strategic Acquisitions:
  • A 2015 loophole allowed a Chinese firm to buy a US insurer of CIA/FBI agents, revealing gaps in Western security oversight and prompting concern about broader Chinese investments in sensitive areas. Western countries struggle to balance economic ties and geopolitical mistrust.
    • Quote: “It does seem like there is a longer strategic play to basically inveigle themselves around the world.” – Janelle Aldred [21:35]
• Canada’s Narrow Budget Vote:
  • PM Mark Carney survived a critical budget vote (170–168), doubling the fiscal deficit to counter Donald Trump’s tariffs and invest in housing/defense. Opposition Conservatives remain in disarray, letting Carney’s Liberals hold on.
• Vietnam’s Crackdown on Press:
  • Ongoing government persecution of journalists, including the prosecution (and in some cases, detention) of overseas writers critical of the state, showing new levels of control.

4. Ukraine’s Defense Doctrine for Survival

Guest: Jacob Parakeilis, RAND Europe
Segment Begins: 30:27

Key Discussion Points

• RAND’s report for Ukraine was developed with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, highlighting the shift from a post-Soviet military to a technology-integrated, NATO-informed defense—prompted by the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion.
  • Quote: “A small Soviet army can't beat a big Soviet army.” – Jacob Parakeilis [32:28]
• Beyond importing NATO doctrine, Ukraine now relies on civilian tech talent, rapid battlefield innovation (especially with drones), and a unique, horizontally networked, “wiki model” for sharing information and updating tactics in real-time across units.
  • Quote: “You give everyone with equities on the battlefield…a stake in it.” [35:26]
• Western support remains vital for high-end equipment (e.g., fighter jets), but Ukraine is increasingly capable in lower-end manufacturing.
• Lessons learned: resilience depends on not just leadership, but robust lateral information sharing and the integration of civil society, industry, and military.

5. Africa: Mali Blockade & Tanzanian Crackdown

Correspondent: Naveena Kotor, Nairobi
Segment Begins: 40:09

• Mali: Al Qaeda affiliates have blockaded the capital, Bamako, cutting off fuel and supplies. The stalemate might force government–militant negotiations, but militants likely lack the numbers to control the capital long-term.
• Tanzania: Credible reports of mass repression following a 98%-victory election. Bans on opposition parties, persecution, potential mass graves. UN and international criticism; impossible environment for journalists and NGOs.

6. Business & Culture Features

Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s New Era
Guest: Natasha Schaffi, CEO
Segment Begins: 45:24

• Natasha Schaffi discusses her first months as CEO post-Hyatt acquisition:
  • The value of “evolution, not revolution”: maintaining core curation and standards while leveraging Hyatt’s scale.
  • Most customers are unaware of the change; hotels benefit from new markets and opportunities without losing independence.
  • Emphasis on personal relationships and safeguarding boutique identity.
    • Quote: “There is a beautiful brutality to business, which I guess I really enjoy…” – Natasha Schaffi [45:24]

7. Aviation: Dubai Airshow and the Rise of Air Taxis

On Floor: Inzaman Rashid; Interview: Nikhil Goel, Archer Aviation
Segment Begins: 52:25

• Boeing/Emirates: Emirates’ $38bn deal for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft revitalizes confidence after production delays.
• Air Taxis in UAE: Competition between Archer Aviation and Joby to launch air taxis by 2026. Goals: conquer urban congestion, change travel dynamics.
  • Quote: “Time is the most valuable thing we have...If you can get to Jumeirah in five minutes instead of 90 minutes, maybe you go there for lunch every day.” – Nikhil Goel [56:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• South Korea–North Korea Discussion: 03:21 – 11:08
• Bangladesh and Sheikh Hasina: 11:56 – 18:48
• News & Papers: 19:47 – 29:26
• Ukraine’s Military Evolution: 30:27 – 39:16
• Africa News (Mali, Tanzania): 40:09 – 44:43
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith CEO Interview: 45:24 – 52:25
• Dubai Airshow & Air Taxi Future: 52:25 – 58:05

Memorable Quotes

• John Everard on prospect of talks:
  “Chance of that happening? Flying pigs indeed.” [04:25]
• Jacob Parakeilis on Ukraine:
  “A small Soviet army can't beat a big Soviet army.” [32:28]
• Natasha Schaffi on business change:
  “There is a beautiful brutality to business, which I guess I really enjoy…” [45:24]

Episode Tone and Style

• Inquisitive, analytical, with flashes of dry wit (e.g., “flying pigs” and “rolled his eyes” moments).
• Feature interviews blend gravitas on global security with conversational ease; business stories mix sharp analysis with personal insight.

For Listeners:

Even if you missed this episode, you’ll walk away understanding the precariousness at the Korean border, the stakes for democracy in Bangladesh, the ways Ukraine is writing the future of twenty-first-century warfare, the soft power of China’s investments, and why luxury travel—and even getting to lunch in Dubai—may look very different in the years ahead.