Monocle's unrivalled coverage of news and current affairs kicks off on weekdays with 'The Globalist' at 07.00 GMT/08.00 CET. Anchored from London and Zürich, join our editors for insight and opinion on the big current affairs and business stories of the day and a review of the European front pages. Nominated for Best Daily Podcast in the 2020 British Podcast Awards.
Episodes
Could Japan reverse a long-standing ban on nuclear weapons?
As Japan works to overhaul its security strategy by the end of the year, we look at how attitudes towards nuclear weapons have changed. Plus: why Singapore thinks that it’s the place for central banks to store their gold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rubio in Paris: Does the midterm defeat change anything?
Marco Rubio meets G7 ministers in his first trip since the Republicans’ midterms defeat. Will US rhetoric on Iran and Ukraine change? Then: is South Africa entering a post-liberation era? Plus: how do you train an astronaut?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel enters its next phase of coalition-building and New Zealand votes
Israel’s president picks Gadi Eisenkot to start forming a new government. Plus: New Zealand’s elections; the UN secretary-general race heats up; and Canada picks a Eurovision contender.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France airs fresh frustrations as the world considers the impact of the midterms
Another day of nationwide protests and strikes in France. Then: what the world economy can expect after US midterm elections. Plus: Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss and a trio of design and art fairs in Dubai, Doha and Tokyo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Democrats have won Congressional power. What will they do with it?
Now that Democrats have won both the Senate and the House of Representatives, what power does that give them – and will they use it? Plus: Hungary confronts its past; the latest news from space; and Tokyo’s ‘lazy’ running.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US Democrats regain control of both houses of Congress in surprise landslide
Charles Hecker, Alex von Tunzelmann and Chris Cermak assess the US Democratic Party’s historic victory in the midterm elections, and ask how Donald Trump will work with the opposition over his final two years in office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US midterms: What to expect on election day and beyond
Americans vote in the US midterms. We look at what to expect and what’s at stake. Plus: South Korea’s record budget and AI ambitions, and the Port of Long Beach CEO on tariffs and global trade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are the world’s authoritarians getting better at working together?
Are authoritarian regimes joining forces? Plus: Russia’s last free newspaper closes; the Texas midterms; South Africa votes; and a Bangladeshi factory that won the Riba International Prize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A nation on strike: How Italy’s growing unrest is putting Giorgia Meloni under pressure
As Italy faces another day of nationwide protests, we examine how today’s mobilisation compares with the demonstrations earlier this month and the potential impact on Giorgia Meloni. Plus: the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Defence in Space 2026 conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The aftermath of Spain’s high-speed collision and how to keep confidence in rail travel alive
Spain wrestles with the fallout of a major rail disaster and reflects on broader lessons for the industry. Then: our US midterm series heads to Alaska. And: a look at our favourite Halloween films.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With no clear winner in Israel’s election, what happens next?
As exit polls fail to identify a winner in Israel’s election, we get the latest from the region. Then: our midterm series in Maine. And: can scientists really make it rain? Plus: we hear from Artsy and Artnet CEO Jeffrey Yin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel votes: Can Benjamin Netanyahu hold on to power?
Israelis head to the polls. Can Benjamin Netanyahu stay in power despite mounting criticism over his handling of the October attacks and their aftermath? We examine what’s at stake in this crucial election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazil has made its choice. What comes next for Latin America’s biggest economy?
Brazil’s verdict is in: what changes now? Plus: Oxford Street goes pedestrian, the papers with Nina dos Santos and why Joshua Cooper Ramo thinks that the US and China can’t afford to be enemies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What should Macron’s strategy be as France braces itself for more protests?
Paris prepares for more protests but what should those preparations look like? Then: why will Serbia’s upcoming elections be so consequential for Europe? Plus: Korean speaker wars resume and Monocle’s new ‘Design Directory’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the US midterm elections and why do they matter?
Monocle’s no-nonsense guide to the midterm elections is here. Then: Canada’s prime minister visits Turkey while Oman’s sultan heads to the UK. Plus: the Art Basel and Design Miami Paris editions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peace negotiations in Oslo and tear gas in Milan: Can Europe find its way through conflict?
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky meets US representatives in Oslo amid a deepening rift between Kyiv and Washington. Then: police face off with protestors across Europe – is any government getting its response right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can there be peace in Ukraine without Kyiv at the table?
Vladimir Putin proposes peace talks with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, leaving Ukraine and Europe out of the picture. What does this mean for peace? Plus: Japan’s evolving security strategy, and unrest in Mauritius.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are student protests spreading across the globe and how should governments respond?
As protests rock Europe and beyond, we explore where they might head next. Then: will the Israeli elections have any upsides for Palestine? Plus: Alberta’s referendum, ‘The National’ meets Monocle and Italy’s Utopian Hours. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Israel’s upcoming elections have global consequences?
How could this month's Israeli elections affect international relations worldwide? Then: What does Africa stand to from the rise of EV motorbikes? Plus: Utopian Hours in Italy and Why architecture founder Kulapat Yantrasast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Press freedom in Hungary and Turkey: Where do we stand?
Hungary revives a newspaper as Turkey cracks down on opposition TV. What’s next for press freedom? Plus: the IMF meets in Bangkok and Lufthansa wins the race for a stake in TAPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How are wars changing the future of global shipping?
How are wars affecting global shipping routes and trade? We examine the risks to commercial vessels and their crews. And: we continue our series on the global fuel crisis. Plus: a new age of train travel and Frieze London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can diplomacy prevent further escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis?
Can diplomacy ease tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis? We examine the prospects for lasting peace and Jordan’s role in regional stability. Plus: the power of protest and whiskey in space. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can the Gulf restore trust in its aviation industry?
How can the Gulf’s aviation industry recover after the attack in Riyadh? Then: we’re in Dubai, Helsinki, Madrid and Toronto to examine fuel crises. Plus: the Paris Motor Show and London and New York’s film festivals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Nobel Peace Prize: With a world in conflict, who are the frontrunners?
Who are the frontrunners for the Nobel Peace Prize? Then: our housing series heads to Milan and the Nordics. Plus: revisiting aviation safety after the Flydubai Flight 1073 incident and Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marco Rubio in Greece: What do Washington and Athens want from each other?
US secretary of state Marco Rubio is in Athens for the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue. What does his visit tell us about Washington’s foreign-policy ambitions? Plus: we continue our series on Europe’s housing crisis in Lisbon and Zürich, before ending on a positive note in Vienna.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Protests roil France: are they the product of a national malaise or a culture of unrest?
Following Black Tuesday, we ask whether France’s protests point to a deeper national malaise. Then: how Madrid and Amsterdam are tackling the housing crisis. Plus: India’s voter purge and our Entrepreneurs cover.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is fighting escalating again in Yemen?
Fighting intensifies in Yemen as the government launches a new offensive against the Houthis. We look at what’s behind the escalation and Saudi Arabia’s role. Plus: Spain’s snap election and housing crisis; Thai Airways’ CEO steps down; and Basel’s latest cultural news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The results of pivotal elections from Brazil to Bosnia
We’re in São Paulo and Sarajevo for the results of key elections, as well as Taipei for the arrival of F16s and Paris for fashion week. Plus: philosopher Alain de Botton at Livex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s the future of aviation security in the wake of the Flydubai incident?
How can we balance all of our security concerns if terror attacks can come from pilots themselves? Then: space-junk laser hunters. Plus: a divided electorate in Brazil and Bosnia, and our fragrance series continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happened on Flydubai flight FZ1073 and a look at the ripple effects through the region
A flight bound for Tel Aviv averts disaster by diverting to Saudi Arabia. We delve into the fallout. Plus: Youtube co-founder Steve Chen; the editor of ‘Folha de São Paulo’; and why Chanel is designing boat-race trophies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The end of an era: The last US troops leave Iraq
Tucker Carlson on trust in journalism and his past support for the Iraq War as the last US troops leave the country. Plus: Livex in Abu Dhabi, Airbus’s debut in freight and Paris Fashion Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Serbia's president wants to be prime minister and Livex in Abu Dhabi
Serbia president Aleksandar Vučić is resigning: is he following Vladimir Putin’s playbook? Plus: Livex in Abu Dhabi, World Skills wraps in Shanghai and new London Tube trains with Kirsty Dias of Priestman Goode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How neutral should Switzerland be in Russia’s war with Ukraine?
We explore the fallout from Switzerland’s referendum on neutrality. Plus: Pakistan and Turkey mull backing Saudi Arabia. Then: our fragrance series and a visit to the world’s sauna capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What we learnt at the UNGA: the speeches, the treatise and the catering
As the final day of the world’s largest diplomacy event ends, we peek behind the curtain. Then: Syria’s first female police graduates. Plus: Are star wars going to become a reality? And: What’s the talk of Milan Fashion Week?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
China and Iran take their message to the UN and Washington
We examine how China and Iran are positioning themselves at the UN General Assembly and what their messages reveal about their relationships with Washington. Plus: how weather has impacted Europe’s economy, Berlin’s likely new leftist mayor and the future of rail travel at InnoTrans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What makes a good speech at the UNGA?
We examine how world leaders are using their speeches at the UNGA to present their countries on the global stage. Plus: Morocco votes, WorldSkills 2026 opens in Shanghai, the Booker Prize shortlist and the latest album releases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Zelensky and Takaichi to Rodríguez and Burnham, what’s at stake in Donald Trump’s UNGA sideline meetings?
We discuss the sticking points ahead of international leaders’ sideline meetings with Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly. Then: the winners of the new European defence dream and the Lucas Museum opens in Los Angeles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A diplomacy push to end Iran’s conflict, the Russian election and London Fashion Week
Donald Trump prepares to meet with Gulf leaders in New York, Russians head to the polls and the Asian Games begin in Japan. Plus: London Fashion Week and what happens to cultural institutions when national leadership changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Europe’s plan to defend itself, the race to become UN secretary-general and aviation news
Europe’s military leaders gather in Prague to talk defence and co-operation. And: We go behind the scenes of the UN secretary-general race. Plus: A recap of the Arab Media Summit, aviation news and What We Learned this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deeper ties between Canada and the EU, changes at Emporio Armani and Zürich Design Week
Canada’s prime minister speaks to the European Parliament and the former president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, is jailed for war crimes. Plus: Jaguar Land Rover plans to sell its Defender to Nato and Zürich Design Week begins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A pivotal week for UK diplomacy, US midterms and Italy’s electoral reform
The UK flexes its diplomatic muscles as Nato chief Mark Rutte arrives in London. Then: We take the temperature of the US midterms and Italy’s electoral reform. Plus: Nordic news, Paris Design Week and the Arab Media Summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Sweden ever actually return to neutrality?
Sweden continues to count the votes of a tightly contested election in which its liberal traditions are being tested. Then: The latest news from the air and sea. Plus: What Okinawa’s new governor means for Japan's defence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sweden’s election results: Is the far right set to make more gains in Europe?
Sweden goes to the polls while New Delhi hosts Brics leaders for a high-profile summit. Then: Art Week in Syria and Berlin, the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar and a Canadian cartographer on the business of naming things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Co-operate or isolate the far right? Sweden’s election on a knife-edge
Sweden heads to the polls this weekend. Its centre-right prime minister vows to bring the far right into government but a left-wing coalition has other ideas. Then: why Algeria has cut ties with the UAE and why Brazilian funk is having a K-pop moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the ground in Dallas, Ukraine and Ceuta
A rare mid-term convention puts Dallas – and Donald Trump – into the spotlight. Then: on the ground in Ukraine with Aliona Hlivco and photographer Mark Neville. Plus: life in Ceuta one month after the migrant crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Poland showcases greater defence clout at MSPO fair, with Canada the star partner
Poland has signed a defence co-operation deal with Canada as it hosts the largest Eastern European defence fair this week. Plus: How to organise a state funeral in Norway and why Soviet-era music is making a comeback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Freedom Edge drills: trilateral exercises kick off between the United States, Japan and South Korea
We explore the new trilateral defence drills and the extent of the US involvement. Plus: Undersea drone wars with Verineia Codrean of Euroatlas; the mayors of Lisbon and Maputo; and a look at Biennale Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is Israeli settler violence a public relations problem for the US?
US ambassador Mike Huckabee visits the West Bank as settler violence worsens. Then: the EU makes a deal with Greenland, the global view of the end of summer and the Venice film festival continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany’s coalition conundrum: Can the AfD be contained?
How Germany’s regional elections pose one of the greatest threats to Freidrich Merz and Germany’s political firewall against the AfD. Plus: why are some Asian airlines able to absorb the new cost of flying?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Xi in Cairo and Egypt’s strategic balancing act
Xi is visiting Egypt for the first time in a decade. Why does Cairo matter to Beijing and what does the visit tell us about Egypt’s ability to balance its relationships with China, the US and its regional partners?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Russia remains a force in the Sahel
We look at Niger to understand Moscow’s continuing military role in the region. Plus: Hagen’s CEO Tim Schroeder on Danish coffee culture, the art of cartography and Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference in Lisbon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the US-Iran conflict entering a new phase?
Is the Middle East returning to war? We examine renewed US-Iran hostilities, the Gulf response and whether there is still a path back to negotiations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taiwan defies China as Dubai Airport defies the odds
Taiwan and Australia battle China for primacy at the Pacific Islands Forum. Plus: Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths on how a key aviation hub has managed to keep flying through conflict and remain confident in its long-term plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s behind renewed tensions between Greece and Turkey?
Are relations really deteriorating between the two countries or are they simply returning to old patterns? We analyse the situation in Europe’s southeast and look at what is driving the hostility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does Iceland’s EU vote mean for its sovereignty?
Should Iceland get closer to the EU? We analyse what’s at stake in Saturday’s referendum and what it means for sovereignty and security in the North Atlantic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The race to protect Europe’s airports from drones
After three drones targeted Leipzig, the question arises: what can Europe’s airports do about it? Plus: New York gallerist Harper Levine at his outpost in Bangkok; Japan’s education model; and remembering Dolly Parton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Operation Economic Outcast: Washington’s tough new sanctions on Iran
The US slaps harsh new sanctions on Iran as Pakistan tries to kickstart peace talks. Then: Andy Burnham’s first overseas visit as prime minister to Ukraine. And: Canadian news and a preview of Konfekt’s new book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Sino-Japanese relations thawing as the US pulls back from Asia?
What is the future of security in Asia as Japanese lawmakers head to China? Then: Canada’s tariff war with the US, Kazakhstan’s elections, fashion archives from around the world and rentrée littéraire in France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Government debt mountains grow – are markets starting to notice?
The United States and Europe are experiencing rising borrowing costs as markets wise up to unprecedented levels of debt. Plus: Reviewing the start of Brazil’s electoral campaign and how to give your children independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Japan’s Sanae Takaichi stand up to the US?
Over the past week, Japan’s prime minister Takaichi has seen the Trump administration sanction Tomoko Akane, a Japanese citizen and head of the International Criminal Court, which Japan still funds. Trump has also limited military drills with South Korea, which are in Japan’s national interest. So how will Takaichi respond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Bangkok and Canberra are drawing closer
Thailand’s prime minister travels to Canberra as Bangkok looks to deepen ties with Australia. Could the relationship offer Thailand a useful alternative to its reliance on China?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The art of mediation: Can Kushner break the Gaza deadlock?
Can Jared Kushner bridge the divide between Hamas and Benjamin Netanyahu? We examine the art of mediation, how negotiators can break the deadlock over disarmament and withdrawal, and what leverage Washington and regional powers have to help secure a deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Zürich with Tyler Brûlé: Why does Switzerland’s immigration rate keep tumbling?
Why does Switzerland’s immigration rate keep tumbling? Then: outrage in North Korea as the US and South Korea begin joint military drills. And: we look at why specialist bookshops are still essential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Zürich: Switzerland’s neutrality vote and the impact on Swiss foreign policy
With war in Europe, should Switzerland take a stricter approach to its neutrality stance? As campaigning starts on the Neutrality Initiative, we discuss how it could impact the Alpine nation’s standing in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wargames: How Democrats are preparing as Trump threatens to meddle in the midterms
Amid fears that President Trump might interfere in the looming November ballot, primary votes in Minnesota and Wisconsin have revealed the differences between establishment candidates and more progressive elements in the Democratic Party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who controls Greenland’s future and what does it actually want?
Greenland issues a warning after drilling equipment linked to the US was brought ashore without approval. We explore the future of the territory. Plus: on board Bombardier’s Global 8000, the world’s fastest civil aircraft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global shipping routes face a new era of uncertainty
We look at low water levels on the Rhine, South Korea’s Arctic ambitions and what these shifts mean for global trade on the Strait of Hormuz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ships, submarines and planes: why Halifax is taking off as Canada’s defence hub
We look at what’s making the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia a boom town for defence industries. Then: should we be worried that AI writing is taking over from human writing? And: could Seoul authorities succeed in creating a city that never sleeps?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What defence lessons can Taiwan learn from Ukraine?
There are no official military or diplomatic links between Kyiv and Taipei but communication is growing, what might they teach the other? Then: Tomos Parry, chef behind Michelin-starred Brat, on bringing his food to the skies. And: we look at our summer newspaper ‘Med, Mountains & More’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Ukraine’s ‘drone diplomacy’ enough to keep Europe’s full support?
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announces multiple drone deals as Russia steps up attacks. Then: South Korea plans a new train to the North. Plus: Myanmar’s club scene, luxury hotel refurbishments and music from Japan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The EU praises Spain for its ‘immediate and efficient’ response to the Ceuta migrant crisis
EU interior ministers close ranks behind Spain after the Ceuta migrant crisis. Then: Japan’s latest white paper on defense. Plus: we talk art with CSS singer Luisa Matsushita See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zambia’s election puts Hakainde Hichilema to the test
Zambia heads to the polls as president Hichilema seeks a second term. We examine what’s at stake for one of Africa’s leading copper producers and consider whether the country’s economic turnaround will secure him another term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is war and regeneration in the Middle East reshaping global aviation?
The Middle East is undergoing dramatic change; we explore how this is reshaping global aviation. Then: Friedrich Merz faces trouble; Copenhagen Fashion Week; and Italian-Palestinian popstar Tä ra. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who are the winners and losers in the luxury sector’s latest results?
Our guide to the latest earnings in the luxury sector and what they mean for the global economy. Then: newspapers from Asia, Europe’s busiest travel week, the continued rise of golden visas, and ‘Med, Mountains & More’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest on France’s wildfires and the heartbreak of losing a home in a blaze
Best-selling author Daisy Goodwin recounts the lasting impact of losing a home to a fire, as we check in from Bordeaux. Plus: Has Saudi Arabia officially entered the US-Iran conflict? And: Sweden’s new security architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France wildfires: Bordeaux region on alert as flames rage across Gironde
We report from Bordeaux, where wildfires continue to rage as firefighters battle to contain the blaze. Plus: the latest on the earthquake in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friendly or frosty? Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu gear up for talks in Washington
The US president and the Israeli prime minister prepare for talks in Washington. Then: why it’s good to follow Andy Burnham’s example and buy British. Plus: why has a Chinese film about Taiwan been made but never screened? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US-Iran war cools but for how long?
Washington and Tehran have halted their escalation for the moment, we explore the reasons behind it. Then: how effective will new EU sanctions on Russia be? Plus: the rise of dining alone, culture news and a Konfekt preview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are India’s ‘cockroach’ protests proving such a threat to Narendra Modi?
Large youth protests continue to send shockwaves through India’s political landscape. Then: the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting wraps up. Plus: Farnborough International Airshow, the Monocle Minute on Design newsletter and ‘What We Learned’ this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deals and defence developments at the Farnborough International Airshow
We get all the latest news on Day 4 of the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire. Then: how Switzerland is helping Kyrgyzstan build drinking water systems. And: we hear about Saint-Étienne’s new “Cité du Design”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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