The Flint Podcast

After France's local elections: President Macron's final year begins

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

France held nationwide municipal elections on 22 March, with all towns and cities going to the polls. This marks the final major electoral milestone b...

The Middle East conflict: implications for Asia

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Middle East conflict: what scenarios should business prepare for?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The conflict with Iran is entering a more dangerous and unpredictable phase, with consequences extending far beyond the Middle East. As the region und...

Greenland, the US and the EU: What to expect from 2026?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The EU enters 2026 under sustained external and internal strain. As it readies its response to Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, growing US pres...

The Autumn Budget 2025

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Wednesday 26 November 2025, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a long-awaited Autumn Budget. In this episode, Flint experts discuss the Budget ...

COP30 & key implications for business

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Lessons from Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Labour Party Conference

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Trade under Trump: tariffs, trade agreements and what comes next

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump has followed through on the trade agenda he laid out at the start of his term, seeking to “rebalance” global trade in favour of th...

France in uncertainty: political instability, budget risks and EU implications

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

France faces a new phase of political uncertainty and instability as President Macron’s government, led by François Bayrou, loses a vote of no conf...

UK Cabinet reshuffle: What comes next?

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following a tumultuous week in British politics, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has initiated a major reshuffle of his cabinet, a move accelerated by...

Power shift in Germany – what businesses and investors should prepare for

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On 6 May, Friedrich Merz was formally elected Chancellor by the German Bundestag. Merz and his government will take office at a critical moment for Ge...

Asia’s response to Trump’s tariffs

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Wednesday, 2 April, President Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all US imports with specific tariffs for individual markets. Some of the ...

Spring Statement 2025

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Wednesday, 26 March, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement. What she originally hoped would be a low-key statement has take...

The German election

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, our experts assess the results of the German federal elections held on Sunday, 23 February.The new government faces considerable dome...

Trump month one - what have we learnt?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, our experts take stock of Trump’s first month in office and discuss the implications for the US’s political, security and economi...

The Autumn Budget

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Budget along with a one-year Spending Review setting departmental plans for 2025-26. In this p...

Labour after 100 days: Getting back on track

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, our experts examine the successes and shortcomings of the Government to date, the style and dynamics of the top ministerial team and ...

Crisis in the Middle East: what next and what does it mean for business?

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Almost exactly a year after the Hamas attack triggered the crisis in Gaza, Israel’s land incursion into Southern Lebanon on 30 September opened a ne...

Labour Party Conference 2024

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our latest podcast, Flint experts review the Labour Party Conference, the Party’s first conference in power in 15 years. Our experts examine the ...

The new European Commission

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Flint experts explore the structure and policy direction of the new European Commission unveiled by President Ursula von der Leyen. ...

Global politics – where things stand at mid-year

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first half of 2024 has seen several major international elections. Outwardly, international politics after these elections looks reasonably unchan...

The French election results: Implications for France, the EU and business

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The second round of the French snap parliamentary elections took place over the weekend with surprising results. Over the coming days, the final count...

The UK General Election Results: What comes next

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We now know who will form the next UK government. Starmer will head into the weekend leading a Labour government with a sizable parliamentary majority...

UK General Election: What comes after

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Next week a new Government is expected to form in the most significant change of political leadership since 2010. This will, of course, have major imp...

French snap election: what is at stake for France, Europe and business

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following a crushing defeat at the European election on 9 June, President Macron called a snap parliamentary election that will take place in two roun...

Party Manifestos

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, the UK’s three major parties launched their manifestos, setting out their policy pitch to voters. With the Liberal Democrats and Conserva...

2024 European Parliament election outcome

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

UK General Election: The fiscal environment for a new Government

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicating she would wait for new fiscal forecasts before a post-election Budget eyes now turn to the ...

Can the EU meet its new geopolitical ambitions?

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As part of our coverage of the EU’s 2024 transition, this episode will discuss the EU’s external actions in an increasingly fragmented geopolitica...

UK General Election: Consequence for Business

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rishi Sunak’s unexpected decision to call an election in July raises many immediate questions for business on matters such as the process from here,...

Ukraine – a further deterioration?

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russian forces are on the offensive again. Putin has made significant changes to his defence and security team and is strengthening Russia’s relatio...

Unpacking the local elections

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the latest Flint podcast episode. In this call experts assess the fallout from last week’s UK local elections, the last major electoral t...

The collapse of the Scottish government?

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recent decision to water down key climate targets has led to the collapse of the governing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens that wa...

EU 2024 series: EU and UK Energy policy - elections, priorities and challenges

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As part of our coverage of the EU’s 2024 transition, our latest episode features Flint experts discussing energy priorities and challenges, in the c...

EU 2024 series: What to expect from the next European Commission on financial services

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While the upcoming European Parliament elections will have more of an indirect impact on policymaking in general, the EU environment for the financial...

UK Spring Budget 2024 Analysis

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, our experts discuss the Budget and its implications in greater depth, what it means for the Conservative and Labour parties and the p...

Are we losing in Ukraine?

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, our experts discuss the prospects ahead in 2024 as the military position of Ukraine worsens and the challenges to European security g...

#1: The NATO Summit and the Future of European Security

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our first episode, we discuss the outcomes of the NATO summit that was held on 11 and 12 July in Vilnius, Lithuania. Flint Director and former Fren...

#2: Will the BRICS become China's G11?

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the second instalment of Geopolitics for Business, Flint director and former Australian diplomat Katie Whitting chairs a panel of Flint experts to ...

Unpacking Labour Business Conference – the Flint de-brief

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, our experts review Labour’s Business Conference which was held on the 1st of February.They examine the key announcements from Labou...

EU 2024 series: what are the main political scenarios?

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The second episode of the EU 2024 series, sheds light on the political and policy dynamics that shape the EU’s political transition. Our experts dis...

EU Elections 2024: The Flint View

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this new podcast mini-series, Flint Global’s experts will shed light on the political dynamics and policy debates that will influence the outcome...

Autumn Statement 2023: Steady-the-tiller Chancellor under pre-election pressure

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On Wednesday, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement. With the General Election drawing closer, the Chancellor had to strike a bal...

The Israel-Hamas Conflict: One month Assessment

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is part of our Flint briefing series on the Israel-Hamas crisis and will offer listeners our analysis of developments in the conflict, th...

The Israel-Hamas Conflict: One month Assessment

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is part of our Flint briefing series on the Israel-Hamas crisis and will offer listeners our analysis of developments in the conflict, th...

The wider implications of the Hamas attack on Israel

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hamas‘ attack on Israel on Saturday is a very serious political, geopolitical, and psychological shock. The situation on the ground is still develop...

Unpacking Labour Party Conference – The Flint de-brief

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we examine the key announcements and speeches from Labour Leader Keir Starmer and the Shadow Cabinet. As well as, Labour’s emerging...

Russia/Ukraine - what next after Prigozhin’s rebellion

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Partner Kiran Horwich is joined by Flint experts Specialist Partner Sir Julian King (former British EU Commissioner and Ambassador to...

56˚ North and Flint Global – New SNP leader: fresh start or more instability for Scotland?

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Flint Specialist Partner Philip Rycroft (lead official on devolution and constitution issues in the UK government from 2012 to 2019) was joined by 56...

"Reflection on the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement and Lessons for the Windsor Framework" A discussion with Bertie Ahern

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Partner Liam Cullen sits down with former Taoiseach of Ireland to reflect on the Good Friday Agreement 25 years on and the lessons learnt for the Wind...

Analysing and Explaining the Budget

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Partner Kiran Horwich discusses the latest Budget announced on 15 March by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt with Flint Partner Tim Pitt (former Special Adviser ...

Flint Briefing Call: What does 2023 hold for Ukraine?

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Managing Partner Simon Fraser is joined by Sir Lawrence Freedman (Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London), Flint Specialist Par...

Flint Briefing call: Crisis over, or crisis just begun: where next for the energy market?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Flint Partner Josh Buckland is joined by Flint experts Mary Starks former Executive Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK energy regulator Ofge...

Thomas Matussek Times Radio interview

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Adviser Thomas Matussek discusses Germany's relationship with Poland in an interview on Times Radio.

Flint Briefing call with John Penrose MP on UK Digital Competition Policy

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

56˚ North and Flint joint Briefing Call – The Scottish constitution: just more noise, or is the ground shifting?

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The political and constitutional noise in Scotland is dialling up – legal disputes, shifting political polls and fragile, but competing economic pla...

Flint Briefing Call: China's 20th Party Congress - why it matters for business

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

China’s Party Congress – the most significant event in China’s 5-year political cycle – begins in Beijing on 16 October. The headlines are all...

Flint Briefing Call – Ukraine: the dangers of a long war

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The conflict in Ukraine is becoming a war of attrition with no sign of an early settlement. How prepared are we for the consequences of a protracted c...

Flint briefing call: France after the election

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

France has chosen its next President. The race between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen was tighter than in 2017 in a campaign disrupted by the war i...

Flint briefing call: Ukraine – a turning point?

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After more than a month, has the Russian invasion reached a turning point? Russian ministers have promised to curtail the assault on Kyiv, but have fo...

Flint Briefing Call: The Spring Statement - political and economic damage limitation

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On Wednesday 23 March the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, will deliver his Spring Statement. The crisis in Ukraine is combining with existing economic pressu...

Flint Briefing call on Ukraine: spotlight on possible outcomes and China’s role

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Russian attack on Ukraine grinds slowly on, with few military gains but growing humanitarian consequences. As sanctions ramp up, there has been mo...

Third Flint Briefing call on Ukraine: spotlight on the UK economy and Germany

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, with serious humanitarian and political consequences. Two big themes this week have been the impact on energ...

Second Briefing Call on Ukraine

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A week into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is now clear that the crisis will have long-lasting implications for businesses in many sectors, in ad...

Flint Briefing Call - Ukraine: war and sanctions - the implications for business

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Events are unfolding rapidly in Ukraine. Beyond its deeply troubling humanitarian, security and political implications, Russia’s invasion will have ...

A fracturing world? Geopolitics in 2022

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We enter 2022 amid great international uncertainty. Covid may be in retreat in the developed world, but not across the globe. High debt and inflation ...

Life at Flint

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Koyin Fuwa, Flint consultant interviews Kiran Horwich, Flint partner; about her journey from Consultant to Partner.

COP26: What Happened – What Next?

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the aftermath of the final deal at COP26 our experts provide analysis of the deal itself, as well as what it means for the domestic and internation...

Rapid Recovery or Winter of Discontent? Flint’s post-Budget and Spending Review briefing

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the aftermath of the Budget and Spending Review,  Flint experts provide their analysis of the Chancellor’s statement, talk through its political...