The Monocle Daily

Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon head to Washington for talks unlikely to produce a result. Then: Can Hungary’s fresh start be a blueprint for Europe? Plus: Monocle at the Arab Media Summit and would you buy a dupe design?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pyongyang boasts of new powers after Saturday's missile launches. Then: Is Rubio playing the right game; is Trump the “smart president” who can save us from AI; and could department-store sales hold hope for humanity?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Tyler Brûlé, Anita Riotta and Chris Cermak reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11. Plus: the Japanese-American artist, Miya Ando, who designed London’s September 11 memorial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine hits the Russian Arctic in the deepest strike of the war to date. Then: Bayeux Tapestry mania in London and the escalator dilemma in South Korea. And: a preview of Konfekt’s Autumn issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would happen if South Korea joined the war against Iran? Then: why are so many Republicans a no-show at Trump’s new convention? And: how closely should we listen to AI whistleblowers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel angry as the UK, France and Canada ban imports from West Bank settlements. Then: Odesa considers prohibiting the Russian language in the arts. And: How could a ban on lying in politics be enforced?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt, how strong is Germany’s firewall against the far right? Then: Is the US concerned about Europe’s space agenda? And: How can a country bounce back after record tourist complaints?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Italian prime minister has beaten Silvio Berlusconi’s record to lead the country’s longest-serving postwar government. We look at what the recipe of her success has been and how this achievement might inspire other far-right parties in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can be done to stop Russia meddling in European elections? Then: France and the UK boost their historic ties. And: South Korea unveils plans for a second presidential office and a new national assembly in Sejong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As strikes resume, we discuss whether the Iran war could stretch on forever. Then: are democratic socialists going to ruin US capitalism? Could a new secretary-general rebrand the UN? And what the hell is an “aura battle”?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Vladimir Putin tells Iran it has Moscow’s support, what is he saying to Washington? Then: is the UAE trying to make itself indispensable around the world? Plus: has the price of gold made museum heists less sophisticated?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Chancellor Merz prepares to point the finger at Moscow for hybrid attacks in Leipzig, how has Germany’s foreign policy changed over the last few years? Plus: When does Japanese etiquette go too far?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We examine the steep decline of the loyalty scheme and spotlight two luxury brands that are bucking the trend. Plus: Andrew Mueller defends his title in the weekly quiz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Moscow confirms the director of the CIA’s not-so-clandestine visit, we discuss what was on the agenda. Then: The Butcher of Bosnia dies and Syria starts shopping. Plus: Should you consider hotel-first trips?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid Oman’s negotiations with Iran, how is mediation changing? Then: Can a national crisis have a silver lining for soft power? Plus: Is Trump hoping to give 1968 a run for its money when it comes to the US convention?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has removed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism after 47 years. What will this actually mean in practice? Then: does the way political parties are funded affect democratic integrity? Plus: why is the Middle East investing in Europe’s leisure economy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy de Launey and the panellists discuss how to understand the reality of a situation when two sparring countries are bloviating. Plus: is fishing the EU’s downfall? And: a book revealing the hidden characters of Cuba.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson is joined by Erich Hoesli and Eveline Rosa to discuss the elimination of tariffs on almost all Swiss exports to China and whether learning a new language can AI-proof your career. Plus: Swiss trends in the travel and hospitality industry and Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is mulling a major troop pull-back from the Gulf – is this a victory for Iran? Then: What will Latin Americans give up for security? Plus: Monocle’s September issue has some useful life lessons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Trump’s tariff threats against Canada burning bridges with the US’s favourite neighbour? Then: Meta on trial, hardship bonuses for diplomats and does bigger mean better when it comes to airports?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In August 2021, Taliban fighters took control of the presidential palace in Kabul and re-established control over the whole country. Five years on, we look at how media access and the freedom of expression continue to be eroded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is a budding superpower but the US and UK still dominate global university charts, even those by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. We hear from economist Guy Standing, plus our panel of Alex von Tunzelmann and Mark Earls weigh in on why autocrats still send their kids to Harvard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Bound returns to defend his ‘The Daily Weekly Quiz’ title. We head to the Gulf, North Korea and Australia for tips on how to beat the heat. Plus: stuck at home in August? Book recommendations that will whisk you away. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are increasingly co-operating militarily. How steadfast is this alliance and should it worry the West? Plus: Germany’s ‘spy revolution’, Karoline Leavitt leaves and the pros and cons of Unesco’s World Heritage List. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine halts strikes on Russia’s tankers as per JD Vance’s request. Then: Donald Trump’s catering van controversy, French journalists go to war with AI and we get down to “Swissness”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sea Legend shipping company is launching the first regular container service along Russia’s northern Arctic coast. Then: the World Bank helps Lebanon with its digital transformation. And: France says ‘non’ to unsolicited telemarketing calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rejected by Israel and left out by Oman: is Donald Trump losing influence in the Middle East? Then: plans to change the French parliament spark outrage. And: would you wear air-conditioned clothing?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We examine the significance for the region and the world at the announcement of a new Middle East security deal. Then: our weekly quiz, chairs to make the neighbours jealous and ‘What We Learned’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia, China and the US are teaming up for global law enforcement. Then: the left’s media machine, London’s pigeon war and we settle the debate over packing light versus packing heavy once and for all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Democratic Party redefines itself, Tira Shubart and Phil Tinline explore what lessons European centre-left parties are taking from the US. Plus: who is responsible for protecting the lunar environment?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Taiwan tests how the public responds to limited internet connectivity, Mark Leonard and Aliona Hlivco look into how to prepare a society to function when it’s suddenly offline. Plus: Brazilian designer Duda Lopes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran’s foreign ministry is discussing a new Strait of Hormuz shipping route with Oman. Julie Norman and Mark Earls explore Oman’s soft-power influence. Plus: what makes residents spend a weekend in their own city?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our weekly quiz dives into Anthony Fauci’s diary and public nuisances in Singapore. Then: as Europeans drive off on their holidays, our Monocle contributors give you their recommendations for the best food, tunes and etiquette while on the road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inga Thordar and Alexander Görlach on Iceland’s looming EU referendum and why the organisation is popular again. Plus: an aerial-firefighting CEO and shortcuts to a happier summer from our ‘Med, Mountains & More’ newspaper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas Waterhouse joins us from Lacanau, where French water bombers are refilling from a nearby lake to fight the fires. Our panel of Ash Bhardwaj and Zoë Grünewald assess the fallout for tourism and politics.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antônio Sampaio and Marion Messmer discuss Argentine president  Javier Milei’s direct intervention in Brazil’s elections, endorsing Flávio Bolsonaro and calling President Lula a “convict” and “delinquent”. Has it become the norm for politicians to intervene across borders?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional conflicts in Ukraine and Iran intersect as Kyiv hits a ship from Tehran in the Caspian Sea. Could the wars become global? Then: Can we learn from political leaders’ sartorial decisions – or are we too buttoned up?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tira Shubart and Andrew Mueller discuss the plans to reflect the sun’s rays in a way to capitalise on solar energy. What could possibly go wrong for life on Earth? Plus: a light round-up of the week’s events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Hecker and Patti Cohen on the effects of Yemen’s Houthis on global shipping, how much the Iran war will cost the US, whether Pakistan will get compensated for mediation and how fresh EU sanctions impact Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Lucinda Smith and Erin O’Halloran assess the global impact of a US agreement to build out Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy programme. Plus: why Japan’s prime minister was pleased to get five hours of sleep over the weekend. And Guy De Launey reports on a Balkan conspiracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Burnham’s cabinet sit down for their first meeting: what can we learn from their early policy positions? Then: why is the French far right bucking the tech-bro trend and shunning Elon Musk? Plus: Chengdu’s West Village.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex von Tunzelmann and Justin Quirk on the chances of Andy Burnham succeeding where Sir Keir Starmer could not. Plus: Farnborough International Airshow opens and an interview with Jack Watling, author of new book Statecraft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle writer Julia Jenne looks at the consequences of the cabinet reshuffle in Kyiv and why Vladimir Putin’s popularity is dropping in Russia. Then: Andrew Mueller and Robert Bound test each other’s news knowledge in our weekly quiz. And: we hear from Italo disco revivalists Mind Enterprises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukrainian president’s decision to dismiss popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked anger. Then: Ten years after a failed coup, what’s next for Turkey? And: China bans chatbots built for companionship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran and the US are back in conflict. Daniella Peled and Ash Bhardwaj discuss who (else) can bring an end to the war with Iran if the IRGC and the Trump administration fail to cease hostilities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France offered a show of military force and European unity during Emmanuel Macron’s last Bastille Day parade. Is there such a thing as a good display of military might? Our panel, including Michael Binyon and Elisabeth Braw, discuss.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negah Angha and John Everard on the US and Iran’s failure to give diplomacy a chance. Then: Japan aims to centralise intelligence and French parents bring kids to work. Plus: Sally Hayden’s book This Is Also a Love Story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look inside the Fifa International Police Co-operation Center, which brings together the law enforcement agencies of every competing country to share intelligence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The burial of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei is now set to go ahead after delays due to US strikes. Then: India and Australia reach a uranium deal, Nigel Farage meets a bin-worthy opponent and should shorts in the office be banned? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US president Donald Trump has ordered a halt to trade with Spain, the only Nato member that hasn’t committed to the alliance’s new target of defence spending at 5 per cent of GDP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.