Protests as Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Berlin and London

This episode of The Globalist, broadcast on March 31, 2026, explores the geopolitical and social implications of Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa's diplomatic visits to Berlin and London, amid protests both in support and opposition to his leadership. The discussion centers on the feasibility of refugee returns, the credibility of Syria’s reconstruction efforts, and the cautious optimism of displaced Syrians like advocate Majid Al-Buni, who plans to return despite safety concerns. The episode also examines French President Emmanuel Macron’s strategic trip to Japan and South Korea amid rising US-China tensions, highlighting France’s attempt to position itself as a sovereign middle power in Northeast Asia. Broader global issues are addressed, including the economic fallout from an Iranian attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, the IMF’s warning of stagflation, and the environmental impact of AI data centers. Additional segments cover Hungary’s upcoming election, the resilience of Celine Dion returning to the stage, and cultural highlights from Charleston’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the Schiaparelli exhibition at London’s V&A.