The Globalist

We ask what UK-EU relations will look like after Brexit, discuss the influence of the far-right in Austria’s new coalition government and find out how new ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa will influence South Africa’s politics.

We host a very special programme live from Zürich to celebrate the opening of our new bureau in the city. This festive (and snowy) edition of the ‘The Globalist’ hears from movers and shakers in the region, and we get the news and views from Monocle’s staff and contributors.

China expert Rana Mitter explains Beijing’s diplomatic tactics and we ask what Vladimir Putin’s annual press conference tells us about his ambitions. Plus: Andrew Mueller looks at liberalisation of cinema in Saudi Arabia and we find out how Italians celebrate Christmas.

We speak to leading defence-and-security expert Michael Clarke about the practicalities of a UK visit from Donald Trump and ask whether the UN is doing enough to prevent the refugee crisis. Plus: this week’s vote on net neutrality.

The surprise election result in Alabama, a review of Jens Stoltenberg’s performance as the Nato secretary-general, plus the Australian town that missed its 150th anniversary by three years.

We ask whether Vladimir Putin’s claims of having finished Russia’s job in Syria might be premature. Plus, why are cinemas reopening in Saudi Arabia? And we discuss how to effectively combat climate change.

What role can the UK play in the Middle East? Also, the latest on the unrest in Jerusalem and the new direction France’s Conservatives are taking.

First reactions to the Brexit deal made between the UK and Brussels, why one fast-food chain has managed to become an essential part of Japanese Christmas, plus the day’s top business news.

Donald Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Meanwhile, in Russia, Putin announces he will run for president again and in Australia the parliament passes the same-sex marriage law.

We discuss Donald Trump’s assertion that Jerusalem is the Israeli capital, Russia’s declaration of US media as foreign agents and 100 years of Finnish independence.