The Monocle Daily
Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Can design and fashion events project soft power at a time of political uncertainty?
A special design and fashion edition of ‘The Monocle Daily’. Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss Paris Fashion Week during protests, Salone del Mobile 2027, improving our architectural diets and next week’s episode of ‘Monocle on Design’.
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Where next for Saudi Arabia after Houthi strikes on its infrastructure
With the Houthis warning Saudi Arabia to stay away from oil facilities, we consider how the Kingdom will respond. Plus: the Arctic Circle Assembly begins. Who gets to share in the new theatre of global competition?
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Has Macron’s attempt to contain student protests made things worse?
Aliona Hlivco and Charles Hecker join to discuss why the Paris school protests have expanded beyond France. Then: Russia strikes a Ukraine apartment block on Vladimir Putin’s birthday. Plus: AI turns on tech creators. And: do important people have worse manners?
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Why Britain is fighting to keep its diplomatic foothold in Jerusalem
With Israel expected to close the British consulate in Jerusalem, we explore why Britain is determined to keep its diplomatic foothold in the region. Plus: Would you date in saunas? What Finns understand about communal spaces that the world has forgotten.
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Lula vs Bolsonaro, round two: Brazil’s presidential election heads to a runoff
Brazil heads to a runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro. Then: protests in Spain, France and Pakistan – do they work? Plus: should pets be allowed to fly in the cabin?
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The stakes of the Brazilian election and our favourite moments from Paris Fashion Week
Robert Bound joins ‘The Monocle Daily’ Weekly Quiz. We head to São Paulo as Brazilians prepare to head to the polls. Plus: Argentina launches a new citizenship scheme and we’re off to Paris for the very best of fashion week.
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Iran and the US trade peace proposals and the government sets you up on a date
As Iran and the US trade peace proposals, we examine realistic diplomatic paths forward. Then: the looming Bosnian and Brazilian elections. Plus: don’t tread on my love life – governments get involved in matchmaking.
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Flydubai flight emergency: what happens now? Plus: Iran tells the US to vote out Trump
After a pilot was stabbed and a plane emergency landed, we get the view from Tel Aviv. Then: has the Iran war’s unpopularity given Tehran sway in US politics? Plus: amid a global museum boom, we visit some of our favourites.
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The politics of ‘Hope Again’: is optimism back or are voters exhausted by crises?
As Andy Burnham gives his first Labour conference speech as UK leader, will his politics of hope strike a chord or ring hollow? Then: Tucker Carlson sits down with Andrew Tuck in Abu Dhabi. Plus: The beauty of complaining.
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What’s the true cost of co-operation?
As the UK investigates an incident near an RAF base that’s used by the US military and the EU discusses incorporating a Nato-style defence pact, Andrew Mueller asks his guests about the hidden risks of alliances.
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Is neutrality all that it’s cracked up to be?
As Switzerland prepares to vote on enforcing its neutral status, Benno Zogg from the Swiss Federal Department of Defence explains what this would mean for security. Plus: will Rob Bound actually win the weekly quiz this time?
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Diesel shortages: How seriously should we take a potential US exports ban?
Carole Walker and Anand Menon discuss Donald Trump’s threat to ban diesel exports. Plus: Australia’s OpenAI hack and the best places to retire. And: a preview of our new podcast, Konfekt Conversations.
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What can the US achieve by grounding Iranian flights?
Will paralysing Iran’s airports help Washington? Then: Donald Trump calls Cuba a “failed state” and Bordeaux residents get a say in how their city’s money is spent. And: a novel way for bookworms to fall in love.
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Donald Trump speaks at the UN General Assembly – but is anyone still listening?
The US president addresses the UN General Assembly amid a row over press freedom. Then: France responds to fuel protests and Seoul’s mayor pushes for more green city spaces. And: Do you feel younger than your actual age?
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A diplomacy special: the 81st UNGA, the Urban 20 Summit and lobbying in lobbies
Leaders of the world flock to New York for the 81st edition of the United Nations General Assembly. Then: are US sanctions any more effective, or ethical, than military might? Plus: mayors of the world gather to swap urbanism tips. And: which hotel lobbies are best for lobbying?
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Why the first Duma elections since the outbreak of the Ukraine war matter to Russia
Russians go to the polls across three days to elect a new State Duma. Then: The Michelin Keys list 2026, Burberry’s trench coat at the V&A and What We Learned.
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Live from the Arab Media Summit 2026: Is there a future for the old-school news anchor?
The Monocle Daily team broadcast live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit. Tonight we ask: can foreign news organisations flourish in the UAE’s media landscape? Is there a future for the old-school news anchor and if so, what does it look like?
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Live from the Arab Media Summit 2026
The Monocle Daily team broadcasts live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit, taking the temperature of the region’s largest media gathering.
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What’s preventing progress when it comes to Israel negotiations?
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?
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Do North Korean rockets and threats have new implications for South Korea and the US?
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?
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Reflections on the September 11 anniversary, from London to New York
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.
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Ukraine strikes deep into the Russian Arctic’s gas heartland
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.
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Warned by Iran and pressured by the US: South Korea’s Strait of Hormuz dilemma
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?
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Backlash from Israel as the UK, France and Canada ban imports from West Bank settlements
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?
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Is Germany’s far-right firewall about to crumble?
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?
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What does Giorgia Meloni’s milestone mean for Europe’s far-right?
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.
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Will Russian interference derail Europe’s future elections?
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.
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Has the US found a way to beat Iran at its own game?
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”?
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Putin the puppeteer and, the art of being helpful
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?
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Has Germany lost its aversion to war?
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?
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How brands can overcome prestige dilution and Monocle’s weekly quiz
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.
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John Ratcliffe’s in-person Moscow meeting: could it have been an email?
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?
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Oman and Pakistan are rewriting the rules of mediation – will this help or hinder a US-Iran deal?
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?
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Will the West normalise relations with Syria?
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?
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The war of propaganda: how to read between the lines
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.
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Live from Zürich: How will the upgraded China trade deal affect Swiss business?
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’.
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How would the US pulling troops from the Gulf shift regional power dynamics?
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.
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Is the Gordie Howe International Bridge a symbol of all that’s going wrong between the US and Canada?
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?
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Press freedoms in Afghanistan on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban takeover
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.
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What’s in a university ranking? How the US and UK still dominate
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.
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