The Monocle Daily

Our weekly quiz and what King Charles meant to say in Washington

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:13:16 +0000

Andrew Mueller and Rob Bound return for a quiz on the week’s headlines. Then: Charlotte McDonald-Gibson joins from Washington to dissect King Charles’s visit, pageantry and speech before US Congress. Plus: music from Corb Lund and Hayes Carll.

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Trump and Putin talk: much said but little gained?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:48:31 +0000

We look at the latest call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, who both find themselves in wars with no obvious end. Then: Greece and Ukraine hit a stumbling block on drone co-operation. Plus: can anonymity on the internet be banned?

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Nothing to see here: Russia plans military parade with no weaponry on show

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:53:11 +0000

We discuss the drivers behind Putin scaling back this year’s Victory Day commemorations. Then: The Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire teeters and former FBI director James Comey faces fresh charges from the Trump administration.

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Leaders in crisis: A Keir Starmer inquiry and embattled Friedrich Merz

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:55:40 +0000

Keir Starmer’s days as PM might be numbered as MPs vote on an inquiry into his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Then: Friedrich Merz nears one year as German chancellor with historically low approval ratings. Plus: breaking news with Manus Cranny as the UAE leaves Opec.

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King Charles, Jordan Bardella and our royal fascination

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:55:43 +0000

King Charles III goes to Washington to rescue the special relationship and France is talking about Jordan Bardella’s love affair with a Sicilian princess. What is it with our royal fascination? Plus: how Germany’s Bundeswehr plans to lead Europe’s military rearmament and ‘madman theory’ with James D Boys.

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That’s a wrap: Our weekly quiz and a look back at Salone del Mobile

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:22:24 +0000

Emma Nelson takes on Rob Bound in the weekly quiz and Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton round up their week at Salone del Mobile. Plus: An alternative look at the recent news cycle.

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The politics of economic shocks – which countries can weather the Iran conflict?

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:53:37 +0000

As more ships are seized in and around the Strait of Hormuz and an uneasy ceasefire continues, our panel assesses which countries are best equipped – politically and economically – to withstand the shocks that continue to reverberate around the world.

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Has Iran gained the upper hand through negotiation (and memes)?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:44:20 +0000

We explore US president Donald Trump’s ceasefire extension and how Iran has seemingly managed to control much of the narrative without even attending talks in Islamabad – and also through an extraordinary amount of memes.

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Ukraine hopes for fresh EU loan and the race for the next UN secretary general

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:54:33 +0000

Hungary is poised to end its blockade of an EU loan for Ukraine while Sweden suggests that Russia is hiding its economic troubles. Plus: auditions for the next United Nations secretary general begin in New York. Then: an interview with Venetian chef Simon Piovesan.

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Can Starmer stay the course?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:50:57 +0000

After Keir Starmer pleads ignorance over Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting, how long can he survive as UK leader? We explore Europe’s changing democratic landscape. Plus: Horse-meat pies have become a menu staple in Auckland.

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Our weekly quiz and a look ahead to Salone del Mobile

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:00:43 +0000

Rob Bound and Andrew Mueller quiz each other on this week’s headlines. Then: a design perspective on Donald Trump’s Jesus memes and what to see at the the world’s leading trade fair for furniture and interiors.

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Macron and Starmer take the lead on securing the Strait of Hormuz: will they cut Trump out?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:01:39 +0000

France and the UK are to meet with “non-belligerent” countries to discuss how best to police the waterway after a ceasefire. How will excluding the US play out? Plus: the UK rejoins the EU’s Erasmus exchange scheme.

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Israel and Lebanon face to face for the first time in decades

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:46:45 +0000

The first meeting between officials since 1993 but will diplomacy make a difference? We discuss what can be achieved as Lebanon and Israel agree to direct negotiations, while attacks between Hezbollah and Israel continue. Plus: Democrats want JD Vance to help oust Trump and Hungary’s Péter Magyar comes out swinging.

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Fresh US-Iran talks and China’s new international role

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:43:55 +0000

We break down the prospect of new US-Iran negotiations as Washington’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz continues. Plus: is Hungary’s Viktor Orbán the first far-right domino to fall? And: Japan’s new “guilty consumption” boom.

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The Middle East war: why did diplomacy fail and what now?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:50:05 +0000

As the US announces new military plans to block the Strait of Hormuz, we discuss where escalation could lead to from here. Then: is Cuba next? Plus: what makes a democracy’s leader popular. And: should AI get involved in the afterlife?

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Revealed: Monocle’s new weekly quiz!

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:52:32 +0000

Robert Bound joins Andrew Mueller for a quizzical look at the biggest headlines from across the week. Then: garish golf garments, ‘What We Learned’ and a look ahead to Monocle Radio in the UAE.

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Has the Iran ceasefire been set up to fail?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:46:58 +0000

Ahead of scheduled peace talks in Pakistan on Saturday, we discuss how much damage Israel has done to the fragile ceasefire with its deadliest attacks on Lebanon since the start of the war. Then: is Nato all but doomed? Plus: should we live in virtual-gated communities? And would you make a video call on a plane?

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Iran has a ceasefire but what about Lebanon?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:49:31 +0000

Daniella Peled and Yossi Mekelberg consider why the US and Israel agreed a ceasefire in Iran but not Lebanon. Plus: why Pakistan is the Middle East’s mediator. And: are journalists liable for social-media comments?

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Donald Trump threatens to wipe out Iran

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:46:58 +0000

The US president warned Iran that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if his demands are not met by the deadline. Then: Russia and the US apprehensively await the Hungarian elections and Kanye West is blocked from entering the UK. Plus: a look behind France’s premier intelligence agency, the DGSE.

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Is a ceasefire in Iran coming? Plus: the looming global jet fuel crisis

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:44:49 +0000

Iran and the US examine a proposed ceasefire deal as the two sides trade threats. Russia’s former ally Syria agrees to security cooperation with Ukraine. Plus: the jet fuel crisis strains global aviation. And: the dark side of the moon.

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Is Europe prepared for the consequences of the Iran war?

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:45:48 +0000

Hannah Lucinda Smith and Emma Nelson discuss the consequences for European leaders as they push back against President Donald Trump’s demands in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: Why Brazil is allowing separated couples joint custody over pets.

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Why Armenia has become Putin’s latest target

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:04:52 +0000

As Vladimir Putin issues a public warning to Armenia against forging closer ties with the EU, we assess the seriousness of the threat. Plus: India begins the world’s largest census. We explore why it is so controversial.

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Will China’s plan to position itself as a peacemaker in the Iran war work?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:14:17 +0000

As China pushes for a swift end to the conflict in the Middle East, we assess whether its role as a peacemaker will work. Plus: Japan’s new rules for cycling come into force today but do they go far enough?

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What is the realistic timeline for ending the conflict in the Middle East?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:48:18 +0000

We assess the possible timeline for ending the war in the Middle East, as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that more than half of his military aims have been achieved. Plus: Why Eurovision is heading to Bangkok.

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Russian fuel enters Cuba after another Donald Trump U-turn

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:48:55 +0000

The US president has given Cuba a lifeline, despite wanting the country’s socialist leadership to fall. Then: Volodymyr Zelensky uses the Middle East conflict to his advantage and Viktor Orbán flounders on the campaign trail. Plus: how does political satire make light from darkness?

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Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed as Trump hints at a ‘final blow’

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:52:09 +0000

The US considers sending 10,000 more troops to the Middle East. Then: Can Mark Carney’s alliance save world trade from Trump? Plus: British museums consider a tourist fee and funeral directors accused of faking reviews.

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Trump lashes out at Nato as Rutte reports defence spend increase

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:49:50 +0000

Trump takes another swipe at Nato for its caution over the Iran war. Then: is Europe’s far-right firewall fading? Plus: the White House hosts an AI robot and the world’s biggest marathon gets even bigger.

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Has Iraq joined the war against the US and Israel?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:45:37 +0000

Why Iraq’s foreign ministry is executing an audacious and rarely seen diplomatic manoeuvre: the double-summoning. Plus: are European holiday makers turning their backs on the beach vacation?

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Global travel disruptions and energy price hikes: how are governments responding?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:51:33 +0000

Americans are stuck in hour-long queues at airports while Europeans are battling high fuel prices and Asians are figuring out new ways to get around the Middle East. Nadine Batchelor-Hunt and Isabel Hilton assess the changes to our consumer habits, and government responses.

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Is the end game near between the US and Iran?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:53:33 +0000

Donald Trump claims that talks with Iran have yielded results. Is this a sign that the US is looking for an off-ramp? Panellists Yossi Mekelberg and Julie Norman consider the latest from the war with Iran, as well as the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.

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What would Denmark do if the US invaded Greenland? Plus: the latest from the Gulf

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:51:34 +0000

The latest from the Gulf with our correspondent, Inzamam Rashid. Then: Monocle’s foreign editor, Alexis Self, looks at Greenland and Denmark’s plans for defence. Then: we meet Ian Mulcahey of Gensler at Mipim.

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EU leaders meet in Brussels and Japan’s prime minister lands in Washington

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:55:24 +0000

EU leaders meet in Brussels as the war in the Middle East overshadows proceedings. Plus: Japan’s prime minister in the White House; France’s new aircraft carrier; and a ‘Letter From’ Goldburn.

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The war in Iran’s effect on Ukraine. And: Universal healthcare as a moral imperative

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:19:11 +0000

The latest on the war in Iran, including how it has started to affect US allies and Ukraine. Plus: the Vatican preaches on the moral obligation of universal healthcare. And: phone bans for Polish classrooms and a report from Mipim.

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An increasingly isolated Trump weighs next steps in the war in Iran

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:48:25 +0000

European leaders signal their unwillingness to join the war in Iran. Plus: The repolarisation of French politics. And: if you could deter one thing in your city, what would it be and how?

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Mark Carney in London to strategise Western response to Iran and Trump’s demands for help

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:49:35 +0000

Anand Menon and Rainbow Murray discuss Europe and Canada’s alignment on Iran, why Belgium’s prime minister wants normalisation with Russia and France’s regional elections. Plus: Rebecca C Lubot on presidential succession.

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As Washington plays down disruption, how safe is the Strait of Hormuz?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:05:31 +0000

We assess the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as the US secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, downplays the disruption. Plus: Joanna Dudley and Rufus Didwiszus look ahead to their arts projects around the world.

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Iran vows to keep blocking Strait of Hormuz as three more cargo ships are attacked in the Gulf

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:57:44 +0000

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly vowed that Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: Tira Shubart sends us a letter from Oaxaca.

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The widening global conflict at the US diverts South Korean missile defences to the Middle East

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:45:18 +0000

We assess the scale of the global conflict as the US rattles South Korea by redeploying its missiles to the Middle East. Plus: Taiwan issues penalties for pedestrians crossing the road.

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With promises of a short war, how likely is a quick collapse or popular uprising in Iran?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:59:06 +0000

We explore whether expectations of a swift popular uprising inside Iran are proving to be unfounded. Plus: why China and North Korea are resuming their train service after a six-year suspension.

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As oil prices pass $100 a barrel, the G7 holds off releasing emergency stockpiles

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:55:16 +0000

France hosts a G7 finance meeting as the war in the Middle East fuels fears for the global economy. Plus: can rappers make good world leaders?

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A week of war in Iran and peace in Venezuela?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:52:21 +0000

Iran’s war with the US and Israel continues to escalate as Venezuela appears to normalise relations with the Trump administration. Plus: Madrid’s week of art and design, and Paris’s week of fashion.

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Russia loses allies but gains energy dependents as Iran war continues

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:48:50 +0000

Russia and Ukraine are jockeying for position as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues. Russia could benefit from a rise in oil prices while Ukraine is selling its drone-fighting services to Gulf nations. Stephen Dalziel and Elisabeth Braw explore the conflict’s indirect consequences.

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US Senate votes on Iran war powers resolution as European opposition remains divided

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:47:39 +0000

We hear from Washington as the Senate votes on an Iran war powers resolution, while shades of the Iraq War and fear of upsetting Trump divides Europe. Plus: where will Europe find its energy now?

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How will the US-Israeli war with Iran impact Ukraine?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:17:03 +0000

We assess whether the US could lose interest in ending Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine with operations against Iran taking centre stage.

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Europe’s response to US and Israeli strikes on Iran

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:03:00 +0000

We assess Europe’s reaction to the Middle East conflict. Plus: how tensions between the US and Iran have been affecting global markets.

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Why Italians are glued to their screens for the Sanremo Music Festival

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:55:46 +0000

We explore the allure of Sanremo as day five of the festival comes to a close. Plus: the changing landscape of music entrepreneurship with Lucy Dreams.

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Why Hungary is being accused of undermining support for Ukraine

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:45:09 +0000

We explore whether Hungary’s fight over oil could change the course of the war in Ukraine. Plus: as Mumbai residents plead for respite from ‘musical road’, what are the best highway enhancers?

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Germany’s chancellor Merz pushes for more co-operation with China during Beijing visit

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:48:34 +0000

German chancellor Friedrich Merz lands in Beijing as the latest western leader looking to improve trade relations with China. Plus: why Kyoto’s mayor has announced plans for Japan’s first citizen discount on bus fares.

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How united is Europe on the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:45:39 +0000

After four years of war in Ukraine, we take a look at the state of European security and defence. Then: why we were so invested in Winter Olympic coverage. Plus: solo dining surges in South Korean workplaces.

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Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of cartel boss. Plus: is Hungary a thorn in Europe’s side?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:48:07 +0000

Violence sweeps across Mexico after cartel leader El Mencho is killed in military custody. Then: we ask why Hungary is causing problems for Europe’s Russia sanction plans. Plus: Singapore’s new dating scheme.

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The US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s sweeping tariffs

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:01:29 +0000

What is the future of US tariffs after the Supreme Court’s ruling? Then: is the future of European defence in doubt? Plus: Monocle signs off after two weeks in Milan.

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The Board of Peace gets under way while Iran is on tenterhooks

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:49:02 +0000

Yossi Mekelberg and Isabel Hilton discuss Donald Trump inaugurating the Board of Peace as potential conflict with Iran continues to linger. Plus: Venezuela’s return to diplomacy and the Chinese-Americans at the Winter Olympics.

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Social-media addiction, under-16s and European investigations

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:44:37 +0000

We discuss Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony on social-media addiction and whether under-16s should be banned. Plus: Can politics, sports and culture mix and should rickshaw drivers get licences?

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Geneva hosts talks on Ukraine-Russia and Iran. Plus: will Europe increase defence spending?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:53:06 +0000

Guests Alex von Tunzelmann and David Brennan discuss peace talks in Geneva and the UK’s defence spending. Then: we remember civil-rights icon Jesse Jackson. Plus: how the Vatican will use AI to translate mass.

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Do you believe in signs? The Year of the Horse gets under way

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:46:32 +0000

Panellists Chris Phillips and Rainbow Murray discuss the Board of Peace’s pledge to Gaza, why Marco Rubio went to Hungary and which country has the best predictors of future behaviour as China enters the Year of the Horse.

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The Munich Security Conference begins. Plus: week one of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:47:22 +0000

The latest from the Munich Security Conference. Then: Julia Jenne considers whether Nato is ready for war. Plus: we hear from our team in Milan as week one of the Winter Olympics comes to a close.

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Why the world increasingly considers the US a threat. Plus: Politics versus sport at the Olympics

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:45:18 +0000

EU leaders meet in Belgium to unpack the future of the bloc. Then: Iran and the US plan to continue nuclear talks but is diplomacy working? Plus: The Ukrainian Winter Olympian banned for wearing a remembrance helmet.

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Should Ukraine hold elections?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:56:15 +0000

Daniella Peled and Ben Kelly assess whether Ukraine should hold elections, what to expect from a Trump-Netanyahu meeting, the latest from Tumbler Ridge and whether Olympic athletes should go public with their private lives.

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British prime minister Keir Starmer hangs on – but for how long?

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:48:44 +0000

Phil Tinline and Marion Messmer discuss Keir Starmer’s staying power and impressions of the UK prime minister abroad: Plus: Will nuclear testing resume? And why spies and foreign interference warnings are growing in Europe.

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What’s in a number? Volodymyr Zelensky warns of $12trn deal between US-Russia

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:48:50 +0000

Panellists Patti Cohen and John Everard assess the Ukrainian president’s claim that a US-Russia economic deal is in the works. Plus: a tale of Asian contrasts between Japan’s elections and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai’s sentencing in Hong Kong.

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The US wants a critical-minerals club to counter China: who’s in?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:57:49 +0000

We discuss the political risks facing allies as an increasingly isolationist America invites them to work together to challenge Chinese dominance in the critical-mineral supply-chain market. Plus: as the Winter Olympics kick off, Lily Austin and Chris Cermak recommend the best winter-sports films.

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‘The Washington Post’ cuts and the role of the foreign correspondent

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:54:15 +0000

Panellists James Rodgers and Elisabeth Braw ask whether cuts at ‘The Washington Post’ were necessary, how to keep a media brand alive today and the role of foreign correspondents. Plus: an interview with Latvia prime minister Evika Silina about Ukraine and European values.

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The latest Ukraine-Russia-US trilateral and the UAE as diplomatic host

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:52:42 +0000

Burcu Ozcelik and Quentin Peel discuss the US-Russia-Ukraine trilateral in Abu Dhabi. Plus: the AfD’s role at the Munich Security Conference and Dai Fujikura on his Hokusai opera, ‘The Great Wave’.

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Should the UK join Europe’s defence fund?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:50:21 +0000

The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has signalled that he wants another chance to join Europe’s defence fund. Plus: India’s trading moment and an interview with Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president.

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What would talks between the US and Iran look like?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:49:33 +0000

The US and Iran have confirmed opening lines of communication to avert conflict amid tensions in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Iran has designated European armies ‘terrorist groups’. Where is all of this headed? Panellists Negah Angha and Simon Brooke assess this and other stories.

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Spain takes a stand on migration, going against the grain in Europe

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:53:59 +0000

We hear from Monocle’s Ed Stocker about his interview with the country’s migration minister, Elma Saiz. Plus: Ukraine says that it is open to a temporary ceasefire. Will this open the door to a permanent one? And: Grace Charlton picks three outfits for Andrew Mueller.

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Iraq’s former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki resurfaces – but at what cost?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:49:16 +0000

Our guests Lynne O’Donnell and Charles Hecker assess the reemergence of Iraq’s former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, and whether it’s worth the damage to relations with the Trump administration. Plus: what did Syria’s president get out of Vladimir Putin?

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ICE in Europe, Nato’s role in Afghanistan and the future of transatlantic co-operation

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:49:38 +0000

Our guests, Sir William Patey and Tessa Szyszkowitz, discuss the future of the transatlantic alliance from two angles: Minneapolis has sparked uproar over security co-operation with ICE at the Milan Olympics; and Donald Trump’s insults over Nato’s role in Afghanistan.

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A landmark India-EU trade deal, Ukraine’s security guarantees and Keir Starmer heads to Beijing

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:55:12 +0000

Guests Aliona Hlivco and Vincent McAviney on the landmark India-EU trade deal, the latest on Ukraine’s security guarantees and Keir Starmer’s trip to China. Plus: Strategic foresight with Chris Luebkeman from ETH Zurich.

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Is the US-Ukraine security deal ready to be signed? Plus: Republicans face the behaviour of ICE

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:51:52 +0000

Elisabeth Braw and Tom Rivers look at the US-Ukraine security deal, discuss the Republicans’ response to ICE, examine undersea-cable diplomacy and revel in Heathrow scrapping its 100ml liquids limit. Plus: Joel S Wit on his new book, ‘Fallout: The Inside Story of America’s Failure to Disarm North Korea’.

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Rare trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US cap a week of geopolitical change

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:53:47 +0000

Our panellists, Charles Hecker and Marc Adelman, discuss the US-Ukraine-Russia meeting in the UAE and whether a ceasefire is in the cards. Plus: our Friday battle of recommendations: French culture vs Hollywood.

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Live from Nuuk: Crisis averted?

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:12:32 +0000

We wrap up a week of programmes from Greenland with politicians Sara Olsvig and Kuno Fencker, CNN’s Nic Robertson and Monocle’s foreign editor, Alexis Self. Together, they respond to Greenland prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen’s press conference.

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Live from Nuuk: Is Trump backing down?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:53:50 +0000

From Katuaq cultural centre, ‘The Monocle Daily’ panel weighs in on Donald Trump’s latest Greenland remarks at Davos.

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Live from Nuuk: Greenland in the eye of the storm

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:12:27 +0000

In the first of three live shows from Nuuk, Andrew Mueller is joined by Inga Dora Markussen, chief sustainability officer at Air Greenland, Dr Steven Arnfjord, director of the llisimatusarfik’s Centre for Arctic Welfare and Monocle’s foreign editor, Alexis Self, to discuss the latest on the crisis dominating world headlines.

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Europe considers trade ‘bazooka’ against the US and Israel pushes back on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:52:00 +0000

We have the latest from Nuuk as Europe contemplates its response to US tariffs over Greenland. Then: Israel contests Trump’s picks for the Gaza ‘Board of Peace’. Plus: why central banks are stockpiling gold and the World Economic Forum kicks off in Davos.

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Nervousness in the Nordics and why is the customer always wrong?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Threats to Greenland by Donald Trump have caused the Nordics to close rank. Is this the biggest challenge that they have faced since the Second World War? Fernando Augusto Pacheco speaks to director Kaouther Ben Hania about her harrowing true film. And: we discuss the decline in customer service.

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Canada’s Mark Carney lands in Beijing, economic growth in Europe and crackdown on US media

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:53:00 +0000

We examine Mark Carney’s trip to Beijing, a US reporter’s house is searched by the FBI, economic growth in Europe and should we end branded liveries on aircraft? Plus: A letter from Marrakech.

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The world braces for a potential US attack on Iran

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:50:39 +0000

The latest on Iran as Donald Trump reiterates threats to strike amid deepening civil unrest. Then: US vice-president JD Vance sits down with Danish and Greenlandic officials at the White House. Plus: the death of credits in the age of streaming.

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Should the European Union begin peace talks with Moscow?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:51:20 +0000

Russia's most intense aerial bombardment of Ukraine this year. Then: As Europe ratifies a Mercosur trade deal we unpack how the US's influence in Latin America will shift. Plus: China's new 'life-saving' app.

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Iran tells the world that it is ‘prepared’ for war

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:37:59 +0000

We examine Iran’s hardening rhetoric as protests turn deadly, with at least 544 people killed as the country enters a third week of unrest. Plus: we question whether the world is entering a renaissance of protectionism and why Rio has a beach problem.

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Colombia’s fears of potential US intervention. Plus: a preview of this year’s Golden Globes

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:59:07 +0000

Colombians take to the streets as the nation’s leader says he sees ‘real threat’ of US military action. Then: the latest from Ukraine as Russia attacks with hypersonic missiles. Plus: we meet Deborah Honig, Samsung’s first chief customer officer, and preview this year’s Golden Globes.

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How Washington’s intervention in Venezuela increases risk for the wider Latam region

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:55:25 +0000

All eyes are on Latin America following Washington’s intervention in Venezuela. We discuss the changing picture of risk and why 2026 is an important election year in the region. Then: China and the US’s race to the moon. Plus: do characters in art need to be ‘good’ to be likeable?

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Europe scrambles to respond after Trump’s Greenland threats

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:04:26 +0000

Donald Trump doubles down on threats to invade Greenland. We discuss Europe’s response. Then: why China is upset over the US’s plan to seize Venezuelan oil. Plus: South Korea’s focus on a new health problem – baldness.

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Will Iran be Donald Trump’s next target?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:53:13 +0000

Following the US’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, will Iran be Washington’s next target? Then: we discuss how successful Germany’s hardline migration policy really is. Plus: is disaster recovery becoming a luxury good?

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The international reaction to the US’s attacks on Venezuela

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:48:13 +0000

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appears in a New York court. We discuss the global reaction to the US’s attack. Then: Europe resumes diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Plus: Nilo Tabrizy on her co-authored book, ‘For the Sun After Long Nights: The Story of Iran’s Women-led Uprising’.

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Ukraine targets Russia’s Mediterranean shadow fleet as Putin delivers end-of-year address

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:55:23 +0000

Ukrainian drones hit a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker off the Libyan coast as Vladimir Putin delivers his end-of-year address. Then: the community sleuthing that led to finding the Brown University shooter. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco discusses the significance of the UK Christmas number-one single.

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Venezuela calls on the UN over ‘ongoing US aggression’. Plus: how should governments deal with hate speech?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:44:38 +0000

The latest as the US imposes a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers on Venezuela. Then: following the attack on Bondi Beach, Australia introduces new laws on hate speech. Plus: Santa no longer gets paid more than his elves.

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A political scandal shakes the White House. Plus: the UK rejoins the EU’s Erasmus scheme

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:48:16 +0000

We discuss the consequences of Donald Trump’s chief of staff's tell-all interview with ‘Vanity Fair’. Then: the UK is set to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus exchange. Plus: artist Sarkis’s first London solo exhibition.

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European leaders sign treaty to form a commission for Ukraine war damages. Plus: Why is Trump suing the BBC?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:48:54 +0000

Europe’s leaders sign a treaty to establish a commission for Ukraine war damages. Then: we unpack why Trump is suing the BBC. Plus: How AI summaries ruin recipes.

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Israel’s reaction to the Bondi beach shooting

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:49:42 +0000

We unpack how Israel is reacting to the shooting at Bondi beach. Then: A flurry of talks in Berlin suggest that progress is being made in ending Russia's war with Ukraine. Plus: Are we all kinder at Christmas?

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Donald Trump’s approval rating falls to an all-time low. Plus: the latest Gulf news

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:45:41 +0000

We discuss the week in Washington as Donald Trump’s approval rating continues to sink over the economy and immigration. Then: we get the latest news from the Gulf and we meet Juliana Ghiotto, CEO and co-founder of the Barracuda hotel group.

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The US seizes an oil tanker near Venezuela. Plus: Should countries hold elections during wartime?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:05:48 +0000

Caracas condemns the US's seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. We discuss how this might escalate. Then: Washington suggests tourists could be asked to prove social media history upon entry. Plus: ‘Time Magazine’ names its Person of the Year.

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Europe’s far-right parties split over Trump. Plus: The Gulf states look to Hollywood

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:50:09 +0000

Europe’s far-right parties split over whether backing from Trump gives them legitimacy. Then: The Gulf states look to invest in Hollywood as they back Paramount Skydance’s hostile bid for Warner Brothers Discovery. Plus: Sarkozy’s prison memoir is published.

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Ukraine and the EU finalise a fresh peace plan to present to Trump

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:53:21 +0000

Ukraine prepares to show a revised peace plan to the US – what will Donald Trump make of it? Then: France's Lecornu faces a crucial social-security vote. Plus: We speak with A House of Dynamite screenwriter Noah Oppenheim.

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A show of unity between Europe and Ukraine

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:58:32 +0000

The response from the coalition of the willing summit to the ongoing US push for Kyiv to accept concessions and we look at Syria circa the first anniversary of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fleeing Damascus.

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The Papal tour and Monocle’s Paris Christmas Market

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:47:40 +0000

As the world reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s first trip to Turkey and Lebanon, Andrew Mueller and Juliet Linley give us their two cents.

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US Congress roiled by Venezuelan strikes and the latest from the Xi-Macron meeting

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:51:43 +0000

A bipartisan resolution to block US military action against Venezuela without congressional approval and calls for an investigation into self-proclaimed “secretary of war” Pete Hegseth roil US Congress. Then: the latest from presidents Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron’s meeting. And: will an afternoon tipple boost Thai tourism?

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Nato foreign ministers demand a say in a future peace agreement for Ukraine

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:48:48 +0000

Nato foreign ministers meet in Brussels following a US-Russia summit in Moscow. Then: we look ahead to Australia’s teen social-media ban. Plus: the campaign to bring back doors in hotel-room bathrooms.

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Steve Witkoff arrives in Russia for talks with Putin – is peace in sight?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:49:37 +0000

As Washington's delegation arrives in Moscow, we discuss how close we are to peace in Ukraine. Then: India begins testing long-range missiles – why is China so interested? Plus: Denmark prepares to cancel Christmas cards.

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Tensions ramp up between the US and Venezuela. Plus: How much sway does the Pope have in the Middle East?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:42:19 +0000

The latest as Trump ramps up pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela. Then: as Pope Leo continues his tour of the Middle East, we discuss how much sway he has in the region. Plus: Switzerland rejects a wealth tax on the super-rich.

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