As we look ahead to June, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues to unpack three major developments shaping global politics: the G7 and NATO Summits, President Trump’s Gulf tour, and the UK-EU joint summit.

First, Sewar is joined by Denzil Davidson, Director, to preview the G7 and NATO Summits. They discuss the growing influence of President Trump on transatlantic alliances, challenges surrounding Ukraine and defence spending, and why Canada’s hosting is symbolically significant. Learn more about our work in Europe and Eurasia.

Next, Ahmed Helal, MENA Director, joins Sewar to break down President Trump’s Gulf tour and its far-reaching implications. They explore the landmark economic agreements on defence, aviation and AI chips that came out of Trump's visit. They also dive into how these agreements, along with shifting regional dynamics around Syria and Iran, are shaping the future of GCC-US policy. Learn more about our work in MENA.

Finally, Lilah Howson-Smith, Practice Director, speaks with Sewar about the latest UK-EU summit and what it means for energy cooperation. They also explore emerging frameworks for emissions trading, electricity market integration, and how both sides are recalibrating their climate ambitions in light of net zero targets. Learn more about our work on climate, energy and net zero.

If you, your business or your investment is impacted by any of the topics discussed in this episode, get in touch with the Global Counsel team.

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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, 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 Europe and Eurasia.

Next, Sewar speaks with Ahmed Helal, MENA Director, 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, Asia Director, 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.

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.

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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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