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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In this special edition episode of the Global Month Ahead, host Isabelle Trick is joined by David Skilling, a Senior Adviser at Global Counsel and an expert on global economics and geopolitics. Isabelle and David delve into the global economic outlook for 2025, highlighting the diverging growth outlooks of different countries, with a deep dive into China. They discuss the challenges of inflation, the potential impact of tariffs, and the shift towards a wartime economy.

This Global Month Ahead special edition episode is part of Global Counsel's The Politics of 2025, our annual programme reviewing and debating the political and policy landscape in 2025, featuring insights from our expert team and leading external commentators.

Learn more about the programme

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Ahead of a very busy February, co-hosts Isabelle Trick and Sewar Quran are joined by Global Counsel colleagues across our offices to discuss the federal election in Germany, the African Union summit and elections, and the AI Action Summit in Paris.

Philipp Mühl, Associate Director in our Berlin office, explores the upcoming Bundestagswahl in Germany, discussing the current political landscape, polling data, and the dynamics between various political parties. Find out more about our work in Berlin.

Isabelle then switches to the interviewee chair to unpack the African Union Summit, exploring the role of the AU Commission Chairperson, the candidates running for the position, and the key priorities that the new chair will need to address. Learn more about our work on geopolitics

Ana Gradinaru, Director and Natasha Dixon, Senior Associate in our Tech, media and telecoms team, delve into the upcoming Paris AI Action Summit, discussing its key themes, geopolitical influences, expected deliverables, and the future of multilateral cooperation in AI. Learn more about our work in Tech, media and telecoms.

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In our first episode of 2025, Isabelle Trick is joined by Global Counsel colleagues across our offices to discuss Donald Trump’s second term, developments in EU defence policy, and the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos.

Erin Caddell, President of GC USA, unpacks the implications of Donald Trump's second term, focusing on his initial priorities, including immigration and trade. Find out more about our work on US politics and policy.

Tom White, Europe Director, discusses the current state of EU defence, focusing on the challenges posed by external threats, the need for better coordination among member states, and the impact of US politics on European defence strategies. Find out more about our work on Europe and Eurasia politics and policy.

Alexander Smotrov, Director for multilateral platforms, looks ahead to the upcoming World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, focusing on the key themes and pillars of discussion, the unique appeal of the event, and the potential impact of Donald Trump's presidency on global conversations. Find out more about our work in major events and convening.

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In this month's episode of the Global Month Ahead, Isabelle Trick, Associate Director in our Investor Services team, is joined by Global Counsel colleagues across our offices, including Sewar Quran, Senior Associate in our Doha office, who joins this episode as co-host, and Philipp Muehl. They discuss the upcoming vote of confidence and subsequent elections in Germany, the Doha Forum and other important events in the Gulf, and the upcoming elections in Ghana.

Philipp, an Associate Director in our Berlin office, delves into the collapse of the German governing coalition and its impact on the country’s political and economic stability. He explores the timeline for the vote of confidence, the upcoming elections, and the key policy areas likely to dominate coalition negotiations. Find out more about our work in Berlin.

Sewar examines the geopolitical importance of the Doha Forum and the World Summit AI Qatar. She explores how these events will focus on geopolitics and innovation, their significance in the region and beyond, and expected discussions. Find out more about our work in the MENA region.

Lastly, Isabelle discusses the upcoming Ghanaian elections. She analyses the main candidates, their political backgrounds and policy platforms, and the economic challenges shaping voter sentiment. Find out more about how we support investors.

If you, your business or your investment is affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, get in touch with the Global Counsel team - www.global-counsel.com.

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Harrison Coldray, Senior Associate in our Financial Services team, is joined by Heike Schmitz, Partner and Co-Head of ESG EMEA at Herbert Smith Freehills' Frankfurt office.

As a new Commission shapes up in the European Union, the evolution of sustainable finance policy & politics will be critical to shaping a Clean Industrial Deal. This podcast looks at the emerging regulatory framework, a renewed focus on mobilising capital into transition finance, and the tough political choices the Commission has ahead of it. The EU, in many respects, had led the way to date in developing a robust framework for mobilising capital into sustainable activities. However the podcast explores the ways in which policymakers could ensure they bring consumers, businesses, and investors with them on this journey.

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