In this episode, Flint experts examine the outlook for US–Iran talks following the fragile ceasefire, and the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the evolving Middle East conflict.

They explore potential scenarios for the ceasefire and negotiations, the regional impact across the Gulf and beyond, the effects on energy markets and the global economy, and the wider political consequences for businesses operating in the region and internationally.

Flint Founding Partner Sir Simon Fraser chairs a discussion between:

• Heidi Venamore PSM, Senior Adviser and former Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan
• Alex White, Flint Managing Partner and Former Chief Political Analyst at JP Morgan
• Francois-Joseph Schichan, Flint Partner and head of Flint’s Geopolitics practice, former French diplomat

France held nationwide municipal elections on 22 March, with all towns and cities going to the polls. This marks the final major electoral milestone before the 2027 presidential and legislative elections and will offer a snapshot of the political landscape. It will also be the start of Macron’s final year in office, in a political situation that is more fragmented than ever.

In this episode, Flint experts examine what the municipal election results reveal about France’s evolving political landscape and the implications for the year ahead.

They explore how the outcomes could shape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race, what they mean for Macron’s final year in office, and the risks and opportunities for businesses navigating an increasingly uncertain policy environment.

Flint Partner François-Joseph Schichan chairs a discussion between:

• Anne-Juliette Rohrbach​, Managing Director France.
• Sylvain Guérin, Flint Director in France, former public opinion advisor to President Macron.

The conflict in the Middle East is colliding with an already fragile global economy. While much of the immediate focus has been on Europe and the US, the second-order effects for Asia may prove more enduring — from energy security and capital flows to critical supply chains and financial stability.

In this episode, Flint experts examine how renewed instability in the Middle East could reshape the outlook for Asia’s major economies, investors and financial centres.

They explore which economies are most exposed to energy price and supply shocks, how the US, China, India and Russia are recalibrating their positions, and what firms should watch as geopolitical dynamics influence capital allocation across technology, finance and critical industries.

Flint Partner Matthew Chan chairs a discussion between:

• Heidi Venamore PSM​, Senior Adviser and former Australian
  Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan.
• James Crabtree, Senior Adviser and former Financial Times foreign correspondent and Executive Director of the Institute for International Strategic Studies in Asia.

The conflict with Iran is entering a more dangerous and unpredictable phase, with consequences extending far beyond the Middle East. As the region undergoes a profound geopolitical realignment, businesses face mounting disruption to trade routes, energy markets, supply chains and personnel security.

In this episode, Flint experts assess how the crisis could evolve in the short to medium term, the prospects for leadership and governance in Iran, and the implications for global trade and the wider economy. They also examine what the turmoil means for business operations across the region — and how companies should respond in an increasingly volatile environment.

Flint Founding Partner Sir Simon Fraser chairs a discussion between:

• Heidi Venamore PSM​, Senior Adviser and former Australian
  Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan.
• Alex White​, Flint Managing Partner and Former Chief
  Political Analyst at JP Morgan
• Sam Lowe​, Partner and head of Flint’s Trade and Market
  Access Practice

The EU enters 2026 under sustained external and internal strain. As it readies its response to Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, growing US pressure over Greenland risks escalating into the deepest transatlantic crisis in decades. One year into Ursula von der Leyen’s second term, the EU will also need to calibrate its increasing focus on sovereignty and “Made in Europe” with delivery of the Draghi competitiveness agenda, amidst continued concerns over the state of Europe’s economy.

Flint Partner Fiona Wright chairs a discussion between:

• Claus Grube, Flint Senior Adviser, former senior Danish diplomat who notably served as Danish Permanent Representative to the EU.
• Sir Julian King, Flint Specialist Partner, former European Commissioner for security and former UK Ambassador to France and Ireland.
• David Wright, Flint Senior Adviser, Chair of Eurofi and former Deputy Director General for financial services at the European Commission.

On Wednesday 26 November 2025, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a long-awaited Autumn Budget. In this episode, Flint experts discuss the Budget decisions, what it means for Labour's programme, and the political and economic impacts for the business community.

Flint Specialist Partner Sue Owen chairs a discussion with Specialist Partners, Andy King, former member of the OBR’s Budget Responsibility Committee, and senior Treasury official; Sam White, former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer and Special Advisor to Chancellor Alistair Darling; Rav Athwal, former Special Advisor for Economic Policy to Prime Minister Starmer, and Labour Director of Policy and manifesto author and Giles Wilkes, former Special Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May on economic and industrial policy.

As COP30 in Brazil approaches, Flint experts unpack what this pivotal summit means for global climate action and international business.

In this episode, our panel explores the key themes and initiatives shaping COP30 — from the next round of national emissions targets (NDCs) to the implications for global investment, carbon markets, climate finance, and sustainable infrastructure. They discuss how governments and businesses are positioning themselves ten years on from the Paris Agreement, and what to expect from negotiations in Belém.

Flint Partner Katie Whitting chairs a discussion with Virginia Sentance MBE, Flint Director leading our UK climate and sustainability offer and former senior official in the UK’s COP26 Presidency team; Fiona Wright, Flint Partner and former senior adviser at HM Treasury, the European Commission and the U.S. Senate; and Dr Lisa Ross, Flint Director for Asia-Pacific, expert in sustainable finance and regulatory policy.

As the Labour Party Conference 2025 draws to a close, Flint experts unpack the key announcements from the Prime Minister, Chancellor and wider Cabinet.

In this episode, our panel explores Labour's policy programme, its strategic direction ahead of the next Budget, the Deputy Leadership race, and the implications for the UK business environment.

Flint Director Anna Abela chairs a discussion with Specialist Partner Rav Athwal, Former Economic Adviser to Keir Starmer and author of Labour's 2024 manifesto, Specialist Partner Siôn Simon, a former Labour MP, MEP, Metro Mayor candidate and minister in the last Labour government and Joe Jones, Flint Partner in Global Markets and Investor Advisory Practice.