The Monocle Daily
The Monocle Daily is a weekday news podcast that offers a global perspective on the day's events. Each episode features a panel of guests who review stories from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. The show includes reports and analysis from Monocle's correspondents and bureaux around the world. It was nominated for 'Best Daily Podcast' in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Episodes
Donald Trump vows to hit Iran hard for delaying peace deal
The US president warns Iran that it will be ‘hit hard again’ after the two sides exchanged fresh strikes. Then: how effective will Europe’s new Russia sanctions be? And: are tourists being ripped off this holiday season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Cup embarrassment before kick-off
World Cup embarrassment before kick-off with visas blocked, a referee barred and tickets unsold with prices unaffordable for many. Then: are French workers really away from their desks as much as we think? And: we look at Prada’s new undergarments for Nasa astronauts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran and Israel agree to halt strikes after exchanging fire for first time since April
Iran and Israel agree to halt strikes after exchanging fire for the first time since April. Then: we look at what Armenia’s parliamentary election tells us about its ties to Russia. Plus: will a lawsuit disrupt Trump’s birthday party? And: why are Kanye West’s concerts still so popular? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Cup fever builds with Canada hoping for a tourism legacy
With just days until kick-off, we look at how Canada is hoping to build a World Cup tourism legacy. Then: we speak to the Ukrainian NGO Superhumans, which helps injured soldiers and civilians. And: our weekly quiz with Rob Bound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hezbollah rejects new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as US House seeks to stop war in Iran
Hezbollah rejects a new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as the US House seeks to stop the Iran war in a vote called ‘unpatriotic’ by Donald Trump. Plus: Albanians take to the streets in anger at plans for a new luxury resort. And: what strange items do Uber customers leave in its vehicles?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine bombs St Petersburg as Russia prepares to host Putin’s ‘Davos’
Ukraine targets St Petersburg ahead of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s key economic forum. Then: UK police apologise for handcuffing a dying teenager as PM Keir Starmer condemns angry rioters. Plus: what do the US primaries tell us about what to expect in the mid-terms?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are strikes against civilians ‘the new paradigm’ in the Ukraine war?
Massive Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities stoke fears that civilian targets will be the new normal. Then: AI fates diverge as some giants plan blockbuster IPOs and others battle lawsuits. Plus: is creativity coming back to Hollywood with ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Netanyahu orders fresh strikes in southern Beirut as Washington tables a new Israel-Lebanon peace plan
As civilians in southern Beirut prepare to leave, we consider the potential effects of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then: is Europe getting tougher on Russia’s shadow fleet? Plus: why are French and British football fans celebrating by rioting? And: would you fall for a holiday gimmick? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel ramps up strikes on Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefire agreements
Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he intends to take 70 per cent of Gaza as the IDF increases strikes on Lebanon. Plus: the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Colombia’s Sunday elections and AI enters Tribeca Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How close is the US to invading Cuba?
We discuss how successful a US invasion of Cuba might be. Then: can Tony Blair save the UK Labour Party? Plus: should tap water be free in Italy and what makes a designer eligible for the Monocle Design Awards? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British waters and Latvian skies become new fronts in Russia’s war
What does Russia expanding its hybrid war fronts tell us about the state of the conflict? Then: Can the West tackle corruption in its politics? And: Global tourism trends venture off the beaten track in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are the Abraham Accords the key to peace or pure puffery?
US president Donald Trump wants to make more Middle Eastern countries sign the Abraham Accords as part of a peace agreement – but would it actually make a difference? Then: The French presidential race hots up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the war in Iran creating a rift between Trump and Netanyahu?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly admitted he is losing sway over President Trump in how to handle the war in Iran. Then: the state of press freedom in the US and the domestic lives of entertainment icons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has World Urban Forum delivered on its theme of ‘Housing The World’?
As the World Urban Forum comes to a close in Baku, we hear from Anacláudia Rossbach, the executive director of UN-Habitat, and Prasoon Kumar, architect and founder of Billion Bricks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why it’s up to Pakistan to keep US-Iran peace talks on track
As Pakistan increases its diplomatic engagement with Tehran and Washington, we assess whether the nation can end the war. Plus: we analyse whether Raúl Castro’s indictment could lead to conflict between the US and Cuba.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Xi casts China as the world’s stable power: what does this mean for the international order?
Postwar international order is in flux as Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin and projects Beijing as the world’s stable power. Meanwhile, in Europe, Donald Trump announces the withdrawal of Nato troops, reportedly in response to Friedrich Merz’s criticisms. What will the effects be?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The stakes of the Xi-Putin summit for Taiwan and Ukraine
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meet, pledging to support each other’s “core interests”. Then: Turkey looks to carve out a new role in the Middle East after the conflict in Iran. Plus: The rebellion against AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’
Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’. Plus: As the UAE blames Iran for a drone strike, we look at scenarios for Gulf stability; and why the rivals for British prime minister are mooting rejoining the EU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A wry wrap of the week
Andrew Mueller and Rob Bound once again quiz each other over the events of the week. Then: our host delivers another zingy compilation of headlines that you might have missed. Plus: an interview with the Eurovision set designer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How the US-Iran war is casting a shadow over the Brics foreign minister meeting in India
As Brics foreign ministers meet in India, the bloc faces divisions over the US-Iran war, rising energy prices and growing global economic uncertainty. Plus: are financial burdens bringing an end to expensive weddings and parties?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Starmer stays resolute amid leadership challenge rumours and Trump returns to Beijing
Today’s panel discusses a busy day in Whitehall and peers into its crystal ball to predict the near future. Then: we assess what has changed since Donald Trump was last invited to China. Plus: how Australia nearly built a Trump Tower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Qatar hosts Gulf talks amid a ‘serious escalation’ threatening vital supply routes
Qatar moves to promote peace along with its neighbours in the Gulf during a tense moment in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: have astronauts seen UFOs in space?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Europe considers whether Gerhard Schröder should act as a mediator in Ukraine war peace talks
We assess Europe’s reaction to Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder should act as a mediator in Ukraine war peace talks. Then: are conspiracy theories more powerful than satire in modern America? Plus: fake influencers and John Robb’s new book, ‘Punk Rock Ruined My Life’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Decoding the Venice Biennale
We explore whether early controversies over this year’s Venice Biennale have eclipsed the art with our culture editor, Sophie Monaghan-Coombs. Plus: Russia’s Victory Day parade and our weekly Friday quiz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel strikes Beirut despite new ceasefire. Will it jeopardise a wider peace deal?
Could Lebanon pose an obstacle to a regional peace deal at a time when the world is waiting for Iran’s response to a US proposal to end the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remembering Ted Turner and one year of Friedrich Merz
We look back on the life of Ted Turner, founder of CNN, with former network host Fionnuala Sweeney. Then: our panel of Quentin Peel and Armida van Rij assesses Germany’s Friedrich Merz one year into his chancellorship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Asymmetric warfare from the Strait of Hormuz to Ukraine and Lebanon
Our panellists Isabel Hilton and Somnath Batabyal discuss how Iran, Ukraine and even Hezbollah are using drones to frustrate much larger armed forces. Also: why are the US and China firing all their generals? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American troop drawdown in Germany and Canada joins European summit
Robin Lustig and Alex von Tunzelmann discuss the American troop drawdown in Germany and Mark Carney joining a summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan. Plus: Joe Luc Barnes’s book, ‘Farewell to Russia’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our weekly quiz and what King Charles meant to say in Washington
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump and Putin talk: much said but little gained?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nothing to see here: Russia plans military parade with no weaponry on show
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leaders in crisis: A Keir Starmer inquiry and embattled Friedrich Merz
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
King Charles, Jordan Bardella and our royal fascination
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
That’s a wrap: Our weekly quiz and a look back at Salone del Mobile
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The politics of economic shocks – which countries can weather the Iran conflict?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has Iran gained the upper hand through negotiation (and memes)?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine hopes for fresh EU loan and the race for the next UN secretary general
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Starmer stay the course?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our weekly quiz and a look ahead to Salone del Mobile
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Macron and Starmer take the lead on securing the Strait of Hormuz: will they cut Trump out?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel and Lebanon face to face for the first time in decades
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fresh US-Iran talks and China’s new international role
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Middle East war: why did diplomacy fail and what now?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Revealed: Monocle’s new weekly quiz!
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has the Iran ceasefire been set up to fail?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran has a ceasefire but what about Lebanon?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump threatens to wipe out Iran
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is a ceasefire in Iran coming? Plus: the looming global jet fuel crisis
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Europe prepared for the consequences of the Iran war?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Armenia has become Putin’s latest target
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will China’s plan to position itself as a peacemaker in the Iran war work?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the realistic timeline for ending the conflict in the Middle East?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russian fuel enters Cuba after another Donald Trump U-turn
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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed as Trump hints at a ‘final blow’
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump lashes out at Nato as Rutte reports defence spend increase
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has Iraq joined the war against the US and Israel?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global travel disruptions and energy price hikes: how are governments responding?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the end game near between the US and Iran?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What would Denmark do if the US invaded Greenland? Plus: the latest from the Gulf
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EU leaders meet in Brussels and Japan’s prime minister lands in Washington
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war in Iran’s effect on Ukraine. And: Universal healthcare as a moral imperative
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An increasingly isolated Trump weighs next steps in the war in Iran
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Carney in London to strategise Western response to Iran and Trump’s demands for help
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Washington plays down disruption, how safe is the Strait of Hormuz?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran vows to keep blocking Strait of Hormuz as three more cargo ships are attacked in the Gulf
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The widening global conflict at the US diverts South Korean missile defences to the Middle East
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With promises of a short war, how likely is a quick collapse or popular uprising in Iran?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As oil prices pass $100 a barrel, the G7 holds off releasing emergency stockpiles
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A week of war in Iran and peace in Venezuela?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russia loses allies but gains energy dependents as Iran war continues
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US Senate votes on Iran war powers resolution as European opposition remains divided
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How will the US-Israeli war with Iran impact Ukraine?
We assess whether the US could lose interest in ending Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine with operations against Iran taking centre stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Europe’s response to US and Israeli strikes on Iran
We assess Europe’s reaction to the Middle East conflict. Plus: how tensions between the US and Iran have been affecting global markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Italians are glued to their screens for the Sanremo Music Festival
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Hungary is being accused of undermining support for Ukraine
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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany’s chancellor Merz pushes for more co-operation with China during Beijing visit
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How united is Europe on the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of cartel boss. Plus: is Hungary a thorn in Europe’s side?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s sweeping tariffs
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Board of Peace gets under way while Iran is on tenterhooks
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
