The Briefing

US-Iran ceasefire tested by deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:52:05 +0000

Fractures emerge in the US-Iran ceasefire as Tehran demands an end to attacks in Lebanon while Washington says that wasn’t part of the deal. Plus: the DNC meet in New Orleans and this week’s ‘The Global Countdown’.

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Keir Starmer heads to the Gulf after the US and Iran agree to a ceasefire

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:37:44 +0000

We discuss reactions to the 11th-hour ceasefire between Iran and the US as the UK prime minister prepares to meet Gulf leaders for discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump’s Iran deadline approaches and JD Vance visits Hungary to bolster Victor Orbán’s election chances

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:42:09 +0000

There’s little sign of a breakthrough as US president Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to agree a deal or face devastating infrastructure attacks looms. Plus: Orbán faces a tough election, will a visit by US vice-president JD Vance help?

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Asia’s worsening fuel crisis: a sign of what’s to come for Europe?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:51:42 +0000

As the US-Israel war on Iran continues to send shockwaves across oil markets, we discuss how Asia is coping and what it might mean for Europe. Then: elections in Latin America and newspapers from Switzerland.

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Is Donald Trump starting to fire his cabinet?

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:39:13 +0000

Could the departure of Pam Bondi herald the start of a greater cabinet reshuffle? Plus: a look at life on the Ukrainian frontlines with Anastacia Galouchka, and Asia news with Tom Webb.

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How would ending birthright citizenship change American society?

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:03:14 +0000

In a presidential first, Donald Trump attended the Supreme Court hearing on the changes to birthright citizenship that his administration is pushing for. Will the conservative-majority justices rule against him?

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Ukraine’s Easter truce proposal and Israel’s death-penalty bill for Palestinians

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:37:08 +0000

Ukraine marks a grim anniversary in Bucha and pledges an Easter ceasefire. Then: international outcry over Israel’s new death-penalty bill for Palestinians. Plus: Nic Monisse with some exciting design news.

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Iran hits Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai – are energy targets now fair game?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:28 +0000

Iran appears to be calling Donald Trump’s bluff by reportedly striking a Kuwaiti oil. Are energy targets now on the table? Plus: London looks to revitalise its fashion-capital status. And: Eurovision heads east.

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A new front in the Middle East as Houthis enter the conflict

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:44:07 +0000

Iran-backed Houthis have launched missiles against Israel. We discuss their control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and how their involvement could change the conflict. Plus: artist Tim Yip on his show at Art Basel Hong Kong.

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Marco Rubio arrives at the G7 as Trump lashes out at allies

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:44:25 +0000

Who has the upper hand at the G7 as US secretary of state Marco Rubio arrives to garner support for military action in Iran while allies push for answers on how the conflict will end?

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The Philippines becomes the first country to declare a state of emergency over the global energy crisis

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:40:09 +0000

Protests break out in the Philippines over fuel shortages. We discuss the spreading impact of the Middle East conflict. Then: mixed messages on Iran negotiations continue. Plus: this week’s episode of ‘The Global Countdown’.

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The true state of US-Iran negotiations amid conflicting reports from Tehran, Washington and Islamabad

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:42:26 +0000

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran peace talks while Iranian officials warn “no one like us will make a deal”. Plus: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen resigns after weak election results and a Japanese pop icon.

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Israel to hold a ‘security zone’ in the south of Lebanon

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:43:39 +0000

Israel promises to continue its campaign in Lebanon. What does it have planned for the country’s south now that a ‘security zone’ has been announced? Plus: Asia oil markets, Italy’s referendum results and Monocle at Mipim.

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A new mayor in Paris: who is Emmanuel Grégoire?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:50:30 +0000

We discuss the winners and losers from France’s municipal elections in Paris, Marseille and across the country. Then: a narrow victory for Slovenia’s incumbent liberal prime minister. Plus: inside Konfekt’s spring issue.

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The scramble to take energy infrastructure off the hit list in the Middle East

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:47:53 +0000

We discuss the damage from strikes in Iran and the Gulf, and whether Israel’s promise to stop targeting Iranian gas fields will do anything to reassure the region. Then: was Sanae Takaichi’s meeting with Trump a success?

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All talk? The European Council convenes in Brussels amid global disruption

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:45:29 +0000

We discuss the aims of the European Council Summit at a crucial juncture. Plus: Thailand embraces stability as a new prime minister is appointed and what we can learn from the world’s happiest nation?

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Zelensky in Europe as focus shifts to Iran

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:43:50 +0000

We discuss how Volodymyr Zelensky is working to put Ukraine back on the agenda as he lands in Madrid after meetings in London and Paris. Plus: Frank McCourt on reclaiming your digital identity and the latest Swiss news.

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Trump delays direct talks with Xi as the Iran war rages on

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:39:13 +0000

As the US president postpones a high-stakes summit with China’s leader, we discuss the mutual strategies at play. Then: France’s municipal election results and Lucas Santtana’s new album, ‘Brasiliano’.

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Can the US rely on its allies in the war in Iran?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:47:34 +0000

Trump warns Nato that it must assist the US to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Can he rely on the US’s allies after a year of berating them? Plus: the surge in oil markets continues. Then: we take stock of the Oscars.

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The future of the far right in Germany. And: The winner of the Pritzker Prize

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:47:00 +0000

We discuss what’s next for Alternative for Germany after a court rules that the party cannot be labelled as an “extremist” group. Plus: an interview with Giorgos Karampelas, creative director of K-Studio, at Mipim 2026.

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Iran steps up attacks in the Gulf as oil prices jump

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:15:46 +0000

We discuss how increased attacks across the region are pushing energy prices back up despite a historic release of reserves. Plus: Amanda Driehorst, strategy and sales manager at Schindler, on innovation in “vertical” home mobility.

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Turkey’s mass corruption trial gets under way

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:59:07 +0000

Istanbul’s mayor is among hundreds facing corruption charges in a trial that his party says is politically motivated. Plus: Paris Fashion Week highlights and we speak to Hyatt’s Felicity Black-Roberts at Mipim.

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How the war in Iran is changing Qatar’s global standing. And: urban festival Mipim

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:42:29 +0000

We head to Doha as Qatar warns of dramatic global consequences if the war with Iran continues. Then: elections in Colombia. Plus: we’re off to Cannes to hear about the latest in affordable housing.

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Mark Carney on the attractiveness of Canada’s military

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:46:56 +0000

Part two of Tyler Brûlé’s interview with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney. Plus: we delve into the appointment of the late Ayatollah Khamenei’s son and consider what it will mean for Iran’s ongoing war with Israel and the US.

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A war of numbers: can the Gulf keep up?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:53:13 +0000

We get the latest on the Iran war from Dubai and discuss how long defensive ammunition in the Gulf will last against Iranian attacks. Plus: the latest business news and cultural headlines from France.

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The US Senate votes against limiting Trump’s war powers

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:19:04 +0000

As strikes in Iran continue we get the view from Washington after a bipartisan resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s powers fails in the US Senate. Then: Ukraine’s sought-after drone interceptor technology. Plus: China unveils its next five-year roadmap.

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Who will take over from Ayatollah Khamenei? Plus: business news and Paris Fashion Week

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:32:03 +0000

Spain leads Europe’s opposition to the US-Israel war with Iran, as speculation grows about who will take over from Ayatollah Khamenei. Plus: business news with Bloomberg and we report from Paris Fashion Week.

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Who will lead Iran next, and how much control does the IRGC have?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:41:12 +0000

The question of who commands Iran now remains unanswered, Tara Kangarlou joins Georgina Godwin to discuss. Then: aid into Gaza is threatened as the Middle East conflict continues. Plus: urbanism highlights from Monocle’s new magazine.

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The conflict in the Middle East gains new fronts and oil prices soar

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:46:32 +0000

US and Israeli strikes in Iran have become a regional conflict. Inzamam Rashid gives the latest from Dubai. Plus: does Donald Trump have a plan to resolve the conflict? Then: the threat to global oil markets.

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Pakistan declares ‘open war’ against Afghanistan

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:51:23 +0000

We discuss the shattering of a fragile ceasefire as Pakistan launches overnight attacks on major Afghan cities, including Kabul. Where will the escalation lead and what are the regional implications?

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Geneva’s place as a diplomatic hub

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:53:46 +0000

Diplomats are once again descending on Geneva as fresh talks on both the US-Iran nuclear deal and the Russia-Ukraine war get under way. We discuss why it appeals as a location and the prospect for progress on either side.

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Trump’s State of the Union address. Plus: Milano Fashion Week

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:43:21 +0000

The latest from Washington following Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Then: we discuss the significance of German rearmament with Liana Fix. Plus: the latest business news and a check-in from Milano Fashion Week.

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Reflections on four years of war in Ukraine

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:39:50 +0000

Julia Jenne reflects on four years of war in Ukraine and discusses comments from the country’s ambassador to the UK. Then: we meet Maria Alyokhina, a member of Russian feminist activist group Pussy Riot. Plus: European news with Ed Stocker.

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Nordic co-operation over Greenland, the Baftas and Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:37:07 +0000

We speak with Mike Sfraga, the US’s former ambassador at large for Arctic affairs, about Nordic co-operation. Plus: winners and losers at the Baftas and we meet Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar in Tokyo.

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How Sweden is training its civilian reserve and a look at the future of European defence

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:39:50 +0000

Sweden prepares for war by training its civilian reserve, we speak with British MP Mike Martin about European defence and meet Raffaella Paniè, the director of brand, identity and look for the Winter Olympics.

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested and former South Korean president sentenced to life

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:41:30 +0000

Monocle’s Andrew Tuck joins to discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest and its significance for the royal family. Then: South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is sentenced to life in prison. And: Airbus warns that it’s struggling to get engines.

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What makes you feel proud of your country?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:02:34 +0000

Pew Research Center asked 30,000 people what makes them proud of their country. We parse through the results – between attitudes, geography and cuisine. Plus: Monocle staffers share why they’re proud of their nations.

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The legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:31:45 +0000

A protege of Martin Luther King Jr, Jesse Jackson left an indelible mark on US politics. Then: why Saudi Arabia is downsizing development plans and how Jamaica is building climate resilience into tourism.

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Palestine drafts a constitution, while Israel moves closer to ‘de facto annexation’ of the West Bank

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:48:40 +0000

Palestine takes one step forward and two steps back on statehood. Then: what is the future of Gulf Co-operation Council and EU relations? Plus: Brazil’s first Olympic gold and ‘Monocle in Milan’.

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Monocle Radio at the World Governments Summit in Dubai – Omar al-Olama and more

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:03:00 +0000

Tom Edwards hosts a round-up of the conversations from Monocle Radio’s pop-up studio on the final day of the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai.

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Monocle Radio at the World Governments Summit in Dubai – President Vjosa Osmani and more

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:02:00 +0000

Tom Edwards hosts a round-up of the conversations from Monocle Radio’s pop-up studio on day two of the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai.

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Monocle Radio at the World Governments Summit in Dubai – Adel Mardini and more

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:01:00 +0000

Tom Edwards hosts a round-up of conversations from Monocle Radio’s pop-up studio on the opening day of the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai.

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EU leaders agree a ‘Buy European’ policy

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:09:33 +0000

European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen says that the ambition is for “one Europe, one market” by 2027. We discuss the fine line that leaders have to walk to stay both competitive and open.

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What to expect from the Munich Security Conference in a new era of diplomacy

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:45:40 +0000

It’s been a year since the US vice president, JD Vance, reprimanded Europe at the Munich Security Conference. We hear from the Monocle team as it prepares for this year’s event and consider what’s on the agenda in a much changed world.

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The aftermath of a deadly shooting at a Canadian high school

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:42:36 +0000

The view from Toronto and Ottawa after at least 10 people are killed in a school shooting in Canada. Then: We look ahead to the Munich Security Conference. Plus: Switzerland and Austria's enduring Winter Olympics rivalry.

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Netanyahu and Trump plan to meet in Washington. Plus: ‘Zootopia 2’ and animated film’s significance

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:42:53 +0000

Benjamin Netanyahu requests an earlier meeting with Donald Trump over Iran. Then: We meet the team behind Zootopia 2 – Hollywood's biggest ever animated film. Plus: An exhibition dedicated to the future of winter sports.

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Hong Kong sentences pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:46:43 +0000

We get the mood in Hong Kong as a court hands down the largest sentence to date under its national security law.

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The US and Iran hold direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:44:52 +0000

The view from Washington as contentious nuclear talks between the US and Iran begin in Oman. Then: we assess the impact of Trump’s new critical-minerals strategy on Asia. Plus: as the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan, we hear about some of this year’s unlikely competitors.

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Human Rights Watch suggests the world is in a democratic recession. Plus: Puerto Rico’s top artists

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:52:00 +0000

Almost three-quarters of the world’s population lives under autocratic rulers according to Human Rights Watch. We discuss this ‘democratic recession’. Then: the final day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ from Puerto Rico.

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Monocle at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Plus: New York’s first ever sauna festival

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:37:17 +0000

We hear from Monocle’s team at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Then: Yuan Potts brings us the latest in the world of business. Plus: NYC’s first sauna festival, Culture of Bathe-ing.

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France finally pushes budget through and the World Governments Summit in Dubai

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:49:14 +0000

France’s prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, gets a budget passed after months of deadlock. Then: Monocle in Dubai for the World Governments Summit. Plus: Is China’s luxury market in recovery?

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Rafah border crossing opens, Berlin grinds to a halt and ‘Melania’ bores

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:46:57 +0000

Israel accepts Gaza health authority’s death-toll figures in U-turn, as the Rafah border crossing tentatively reopens to Palestinians. Plus: Germany’s public-transport workers strike and the Melania documentary falls short.

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Former Iraq prime minister Nouri al-Maliki rejects US threats over potential comeback

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:36:00 +0000

Donald Trump has warned Iraq that it would lose all American support if controversial former prime minister Al-Maliki retakes office. Plus: a tourism uptick in Mongolia and Cape Town’s public pool upgrades.

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ICE agents head to the Winter Olympics, a new issue of Monocle magazine and high jewellery

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:48:29 +0000

Milan’s mayor has said that ICE agents are not welcome in his city for the Winter Games. Plus: we look at Monocle’s February issue and hear about high jewellery in Paris, AI tourism blunders and ‘The Global Countdown’.

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Greenland and Denmark’s leaders in Paris: What’s on the menu for the working lunch with Macron?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:52:29 +0000

France hosts the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. Then: the future of Lebanon’s economy amid new investments. Plus: how is China’s oil market changing in light of Maduro’s arrest? And: Monocle design and fashion highlights.

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How Iranians are receiving information during a brutal crackdown on protests

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:44:38 +0000

We hear from the groups trying to break through the information blockade in Iran during an internet blackout. Plus: Boeing results and the long history of Russian espionage in Japan.

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Xi Jinping’s purge of high-ranking Chinese military figures continues

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:46:20 +0000

China’s top-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, has been placed under investigation after being accused of giving nuclear secrets to the US. Then: coverage from Monocle’s recent trip to Nuuk and a look back at Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

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Where does the Nato military alliance go from here?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:02:10 +0000

We explore the future of the Western military alliance following Greenland de-escalation. Plus: Winkreative’s Ariel Childs on Great Britain’s new colours for the America’s Cup and the Oscar nominations

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Live from Davos: Albin Kurti, the prime minister of Kosovo, and day four of the WEF

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:23:45 +0000

Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo brings us a special broadcast from the World Economic Forum. Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s prime minister, tells us about his ambitions for his nation and the markets react to Davos. Plus: a special edition of The Global Countdown.

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Live from Davos: Trump touches down and markets react to geopolitics

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:03:41 +0000

A special broadcast from the World Economic Forum as US president Donald Trump touches down. We assess the market’s reaction and report on the landing from Zürich Airport. Plus: is Davos the world’s longest pop-up city?

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Live from Davos: WEF gets underway, what makes a strong passport and redefining the office

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:57:11 +0000

A special broadcast from the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. We look at the ever-changing guest list, unpack what makes a strong passport and the trends set to redefine the office. Plus: Valentino’s life and legacy.

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Trump tells Norway’s PM he is no longer obligated ‘to think purely of peace’. Plus: a Milan Fashion Week Men’s preview

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:38:59 +0000

The latest as the EU considers retaliatory measures over Trump’s Greenland tariff ‘blackmail’. Then: we hear from our team at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Plus: a preview of Milan Fashion Week Men’s.

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Russia strikes energy facilities in Kharkiv as Zelensky declares a state of emergency

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:49:54 +0000

As Ukraine battles on against Russia’s strikes and US accusations, Monocle’s Julia Jenne joins to discuss. Then: Chris Cermak explores the irrationality of human behaviour with Nobel-Prize laureate Richard Thaler. Plus: are there any upsides to this year’s WEF survey?

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Phase two of the ceasefire: what comes next for Gaza?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:53:16 +0000

As Steve Witkoff announces the next stage of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, we discuss what comes next for Gaza. Then: Thomas Chatterton Williams gives us his take on the ICE protests and subsequent unrest. Plus: Monocle’s team on the ground at Paris Déco Off.

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Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi plans snap election

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:43:20 +0000

Will a snap vote give Sanae Takaichi the mandate that she seeks to push forward her agenda? Plus: China’s strategic support for Iran and we interview Caroline Avedon, the curator of the Richard Avedon: Facing West exhibition.

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Donald Trump issues financial warnings. Plus: an urbanism round-up

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:44:08 +0000

Donald Trump threatens a 25 per cent tariff on any nation that conducts business with Iran, while also applying pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. We look at the global and domestic ramifications.

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Venezuela releases political prisoners, business news and Brazil at the Golden Globes

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:52:15 +0000

Political prisoners are released in Venezuela as the US president, Donald Trump, meets with oil executives. Then: Business news and we look at Brazilian cinema at the Golden Globes.

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Russia’s reactions to US operations in Venezuela

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:43:23 +0000

We assess how the seizure of Venezuelan tankers will be viewed in Moscow and whether it has any bearing on broader US-Russia relations. Plus: a day of mourning in Switzerland to honour the 40 victims of the Crans-Montana fire on New Year’s Eve.

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Tractors park at the Arc de Triomphe to protest a European trade deal with Mercosur

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:40:49 +0000

Tractors have gathered in front of the Arc de Triomphe in a show of dissent against a European trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur. Plus: what an invasion of Taiwan would actually look like and three exhibitions to have on your radar in 2026.

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Will Venezuela hand over 50 million barrels of oil to the US?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:48:55 +0000

As Donald Trump unveils his plan for Venezuela to turn over millions of oil barrels to the US, we assess how viable this ambition might be.

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Venezuela: Mission not accomplished?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:41:09 +0000

Did Donald Trump declare victory too soon? We analyse the next steps in Venezuela with Nick Redman of Oxford Analytica. Plus: Ukraine’s cabinet shake-up and a look-ahead to Maison&Objet in Paris.

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What does Trump’s audacious attack on Venezuela mean for Europe?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:50 +0000

We assess what Venezuela says about Donald Trump’s foreign-policy approach and what it means for Europe as leaders prepare for a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit in Paris. Plus: Switzerland identifies the victims of a fire in Crans-Montana. And: how China can manage its economy in 2026.

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Friday 2 January

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:42:01 +0000

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.

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Tyler Brûlé is joined by Benjamin Smith to discuss efficiency and sustainability at Air France-KLM

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:30:00 +0000

A special episode dedicated to leadership at one of the world's largest airline groups.

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Wednesday 31 December

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:34:54 +0000

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.

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Tuesday 30 December

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:39:03 +0000

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.

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Monday 29 December

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:43:53 +0000

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.

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Tyler Brûlé is joined by William P Lauder – the third-generation leader of the Estée Lauder Companies

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:30:00 +0000

A special episode dedicated to leadership at one of the largest prestige beauty organisations in the world.

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Christmas Day special

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:30:00 +0000

Monocle’s head of radio, Tom Edwards, is joined by Robert Bound to swap presents and compare seasonal traditions. Plus: We head to Lapland to speak to Santa Claus himself and we explore a new mountain resort in Slovenia.

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Tyler Brûlé is joined by Jean-Claude Biver for a look at the art of watchmaking

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:30:00 +0000

A special episode dedicated the art of watchmaking with Jean-Claude Biver

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Tuesday 23 December

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:57:06 +0000

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.

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Monday 22 December

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:54:04 +0000

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.

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Reforming the US-Israel relationship and how behavioural science shapes urban policy

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:43:34 +0000

Andrew P Miller, the former deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli-Palestinian affairs, on how Washington and Tel Aviv’s relationship should change. Plus: a new insight into urban policy and Konfekt’s best hosting tips.

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Who will be the UK’s new ambassador to the US?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:48:17 +0000

The race is on to find a new British ambassador to the United States, following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson. Plus: a look at the Italian front pages and a Christmas-themed edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.

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“The time to build” at the UN Global Refugee Forum 2025, and Brazil’s 2026 forecast

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:45:14 +0000

We delve into the big year ahead for Brazil and discuss how to remain optimistic in meeting the challenges facing refugees around the world.

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How can Europe succeed in the Trump era? Plus: design gifts for the holidays

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:41:59 +0000

We discuss whether Europe can shirk its rather submissive reaction to Trump’s second administration. Then: we hop on a new train to the Alps and pick out design gifts for the holidays.

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The international community weighs in on the Bondi shooting and Thailand’s next election

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:42:40 +0000

As Australia reels from the shooting in Bondi beach, how is it being seen globally? Plus: Thailand calls for fresh elections and the new plans for Dracula Land.

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Is Gaza’s US-brokered ceasefire moving ahead or failing?

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:48:26 +0000

We discuss the worsening political and humanitarian situation in Gaza as Palestinians remain caught between the first two phases of the US-imposed ceasefire. Plus: the Thailand-Cambodia conflict enters its fifth day, business news and Monocle’s winter series continues.

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Fresh crisis in Yemen threatens to split the Gulf region

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:40:56 +0000

Monocle’s Gulf correspondent joins to discuss tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Plus: Trump gives Nvidia OK to sell chips to China, Christmas-party fashion tips and our look-back edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.

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Is the transatlantic relationship facing a major crisis?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:38:11 +0000

As the US president labels European leaders as “weak”, we discuss what lies ahead for the transatlantic alliance. Plus: the winner of the Turner Prize is announced and the best Christmas presents from the world of print.

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Thailand and Cambodia’s border feud escalates and the latest in urban-mobility design

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:34:36 +0000

We get the latest from Bangkok as the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia turn deadly. Is de-escalation possible? Then: We weigh in on Saiki, Belgrade and Paris’s latest rail revamps. Plus: What can Miami teach the world about design?

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European leaders huddle with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:51:02 +0000

The Ukrainian president is in London for another high-stakes meeting after Donald Trump accused him of being less co-operative than Vladimir Putin. Plus: Slovenia’s Eurovision boycott and one year of Syria without Bashar al-Assad.

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Germany and France’s generational split over pensions. Plus: four nations boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:57:03 +0000

Pensions continue to be an ongoing source of political instability in Germany and France, we unpack why. Then: Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation. Plus: we meet Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, at ILTM.

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The Dominican Republic: Caught between Trump’s America and Venezuela’s Maduro

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:53:05 +0000

The Dominican Republic has allowed the US military to operate on its territory as the Trump administration prepares for further strikes on Venezuela. We get the view from the ground in Santo Domingo.

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The Gulf states look towards a joint defensive strategy at the 46th GCC summit

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:46:38 +0000

As Gulf leaders convene for the 46th GCC summit during a tense time for the region, we discuss what role the US could play in a joint defence plan. Plus: Design Miami, how taxes might have birthed civilisation and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.

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LVMH and Armani appoint new boards, and the far right in South America

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:35:34 +0000

Luxury fashion groups LVMH and Armani look to the future as they shuffle their boards. Plus: what can recent elections tell us about the state of the far right in South America? Then: we’re live from Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market.

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Macron hosts Zelensky in Paris as Nato signals a more ‘aggressive’ stance

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:43:28 +0000

Foreign editor Alexis Self discusses a ‘pivotal week’ for diplomacy as Macron and Zelensky meet in Paris. Plus: a documentary about Pulitzer-winning war photographer Lynsey Addario. And: Monocle’s Switzerland Handbook.

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Viktor Orban meets with Putin as Ukraine’s corruption scandal worsens

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:56:15 +0000

As Hungary’s prime minister travels to Moscow for talks on Ukraine, Zelensky’s top aid is investigated for corruption.

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Macron unveils military service plan to counter Russian threat

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:50:55 +0000

Emmanuel Macron details a new plan for voluntary military service in France. Plus: Highlights from The Monocle Weekender in Abu Dhabi and The Global Countdown in Cambodia.

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US accused of acting for Kremlin and how to move a national archive

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:37:46 +0000

Reports confirm the original US peace deal for Ukraine as being lifted from a Russian document after Steve Witkoff’s leaked call with a Kremlin negotiator. Where does America stand? Plus: if moving house is a logistical nightmare, how about a national archive?

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