As we look ahead to May, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues from across the globe to unpack Romania and Poland’s presidential elections, the Qatar Economic Forum, and the 2025 ASEAN summit.

First, Sewar is joined by Anikó Zsebik, Associate Director in our Global investor services practice, to discuss the upcoming presidential elections in Romania and Poland. They explore the significance of these contests against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the war in Ukraine. Anikó outlines key candidates, public sentiment, and how the results could reshape foreign investment and regional influence. Learn more about our work in our Europe and Eurasia politics.

Next, Sewar speaks with Ahmed Helal, Director of our MENA practice, to discuss the Qatar Economic Forum and the region’s growing influence in global financial and energy markets. They discuss how Gulf states are navigating US tariffs, regional economic shifts, and President Trump’s visit, as well as the forum’s broader themes around transformation and security cooperation. Learn more about our work in MENA.

To finish the episode, Andrew Yeo, Director of our Asia practice, joins Sewar to unpack the upcoming ASEAN Summit under Malaysia’s leadership. They examine Malaysia’s three core priorities: economic resilience, geopolitical balance, and internal reform, and discuss how ASEAN is approaching digital transformation, trade integration, and the complex dynamics of US-China relations. Learn more about our work in Asia politics and policy.

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As we look ahead to April, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues from across the globe to discuss the UK local elections, the IMF World Bank Spring Meetings taking, and the next phase of international defence coordination for Ukraine.

First, Sewar is joined by Max Mandich, Senior Associate in our US Financial Services practice, to preview the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings. They discuss how the meetings have evolved, the lasting influence of the Trump administration on global policy dialogue, and what corporate and public affairs professionals should watch out for in the week’s formal and informal engagements. Learn more about our work in US politics and policy.

Then, Sewar speaks with Scott Gilfillan, Associate Director in our UK Politics and Policy practice, about the upcoming local elections in England. They explore the structure and significance of local government, the implications for national sentiment, and how parties are positioning themselves in this first major electoral test for the Labour government. Find out more about our work in UK politics and policy.

To finish the episode, Robyn Staveley, Associate Director in our UK Politics and Policy practice, joins Sewar to examine the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting. They discuss the UK’s leadership role, the shift toward long-term sustainment of Ukraine’s defence capabilities, and how the geopolitical landscape is shaping NATO’s evolving relationship with Kyiv. Discover more about our work in UK Politics and Policy.

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As we head into March, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues across our offices to discuss China’s Two Sessions, the UK Spring Statement, and the evolving European defence policy landscape.

Jiayu Li, Senior Associate in our Singapore office, explores China’s Two Sessions, where leaders will set the policy agenda for 2025. They cover the structure of the sessions, key agenda items, and the broader political implications, including the removal of traditional press conferences and the centralisation of power. Find out more about our work in Asia.

Sewar then sits down with Lilah Howson-Smith, Practice Director in our UK Politics and Policy practice, to unpack the UK Spring Statement. They examine the economic challenges facing the government, including inflation, growth projections, and potential tax and spending decisions. Find out more about our work in UK politics and policy.

Denzil Davidson, Director in our London office, joins the podcast to discuss the growing urgency for a coherent European defence policy amid Russia’s aggression and shifting US foreign policy. The discussion delves into the EU’s strategic autonomy in defence, the challenges posed by member states' differing priorities, and the evolving role of allies like Britain and Turkey in European security. Learn more about our work in Europe and Eurasia politics and policy.

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