The Globalist

We look at Australia’s ongoing isolationist approach to controlling coronavirus and discuss Joe Biden’s offer of a safe haven to Hong Kongers. Plus: we wrap up the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and get the latest from Switzerland.

We get the latest from the Asean regional forum and explore why Turkey is trying to take control of Kabul airport. Plus: could excessive noise be a thing of the past for French cities?

We get the latest from Lynne O’Donnell on the front line in Afghanistan and ask whether recent hijackings in the Persian Gulf are part of a concerted effort of Iranian foreign policy. Plus: is the far right on the rise in Italy?

Coronavirus returns to Wuhan and a report in the US gives credence to the lab-leak theory. Then, as an outspoken activist is found dead in Kiev, we speak to the prime minister of Estonia about an anticipated Belarusian refugee crisis. Plus: we return to Beirut on the one-year anniversary of the deadly port explosion.

We get the latest from Myanmar with Asean under pressure to name an envoy to the country. Plus: we ask why Franco-UK relations are so poor and discuss official Olympic recognition for Kosovo.

We explore the politics of mask and vaccination mandates in the US and get the latest from the Olympics in Tokyo. Plus: will a change to the Highway Code in the UK inspire more people to cycle and walk?

As the US insists that all is not lost in Afghanistan, regional powers line up to meet with the Taliban. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casts more doubt on prospects for a nuclear deal ahead of Iran’s presidential handover. Plus: the latest Olympic news.

We discuss the creation of a “mini-Schengen” common-travel area in the Balkans. Plus: we analyse what the expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal means for the rest of the world and why the US is persevering with its travel ban on most foreign citizens.

We discuss what’s on the agenda as US secretary of state Antony Blinken arrives in India. We then get the lowdown on Russia’s recent talks with the Taliban and assess the Kremlin’s intentions in the region. Plus: the latest action from Tokyo 2020.

We discuss the latest setback in relations between Washington and Beijing and cover the latest political turmoil in Tunisia. Plus: a round-up of the latest fashion and retail news.