Monocle 24: The Briefing

As Ukraine battles on against Russia’s strikes and US accusations, Monocle’s Julia Jenne joins to discuss. Then: Chris Cermak explores the irrationality of human behaviour with Nobel-Prize laureate Richard Thaler. Plus: are there any upsides to this year’s WEF survey?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Steve Witkoff announces the next stage of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, we discuss what comes next for Gaza. Then: Thomas Chatterton Williams gives us his take on the ICE protests and subsequent unrest. Plus: Monocle’s team on the ground at Paris Déco Off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will a snap vote give Sanae Takaichi the mandate that she seeks to push forward her agenda? Plus: China’s strategic support for Iran and we interview Caroline Avedon, the curator of the Richard Avedon: Facing West exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump threatens a 25 per cent tariff on any nation that conducts business with Iran, while also applying pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. We look at the global and domestic ramifications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political prisoners are released in Venezuela as the US president, Donald Trump, meets with oil executives. Then: Business news and we look at Brazilian cinema at the Golden Globes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assess how the seizure of Venezuelan tankers will be viewed in Moscow and whether it has any bearing on broader US-Russia relations. Plus: a day of mourning in Switzerland to honour the 40 victims of the Crans-Montana fire on New Year’s Eve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tractors have gathered in front of the Arc de Triomphe in a show of dissent against a European trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur. Plus: what an invasion of Taiwan would actually look like and three exhibitions to have on your radar in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donald Trump unveils his plan for Venezuela to turn over millions of oil barrels to the US, we assess how viable this ambition might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Donald Trump declare victory too soon? We analyse the next steps in Venezuela with Nick Redman of Oxford Analytica. Plus: Ukraine’s cabinet shake-up and a look-ahead to Maison&Objet in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assess what Venezuela says about Donald Trump’s foreign-policy approach and what it means for Europe as leaders prepare for a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit in Paris. Plus: Switzerland identifies the victims of a fire in Crans-Montana. And: how China can manage its economy in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode dedicated to leadership at one of the world's largest airline groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode dedicated to leadership at one of the largest prestige beauty organisations in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s head of radio, Tom Edwards, is joined by Robert Bound to swap presents and compare seasonal traditions. Plus: We head to Lapland to speak to Santa Claus himself and we explore a new mountain resort in Slovenia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode dedicated the art of watchmaking with Jean-Claude BiverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew P Miller, the former deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli-Palestinian affairs, on how Washington and Tel Aviv’s relationship should change. Plus: a new insight into urban policy and Konfekt’s best hosting tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race is on to find a new British ambassador to the United States, following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson. Plus: a look at the Italian front pages and a Christmas-themed edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the big year ahead for Brazil and discuss how to remain optimistic in meeting the challenges facing refugees around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss whether Europe can shirk its rather submissive reaction to Trump’s second administration. Then: we hop on a new train to the Alps and pick out design gifts for the holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Australia reels from the shooting in Bondi beach, how is it being seen globally? Plus: Thailand calls for fresh elections and the new plans for Dracula Land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the worsening political and humanitarian situation in Gaza as Palestinians remain caught between the first two phases of the US-imposed ceasefire. Plus: the Thailand-Cambodia conflict enters its fifth day, business news and Monocle’s winter series continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Gulf correspondent joins to discuss tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Plus: Trump gives Nvidia OK to sell chips to China, Christmas-party fashion tips and our look-back edition of ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US president labels European leaders as “weak”, we discuss what lies ahead for the transatlantic alliance. Plus: the winner of the Turner Prize is announced and the best Christmas presents from the world of print. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from Bangkok as the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia turn deadly. Is de-escalation possible? Then: We weigh in on Saiki, Belgrade and Paris’s latest rail revamps. Plus: What can Miami teach the world about design? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukrainian president is in London for another high-stakes meeting after Donald Trump accused him of being less co-operative than Vladimir Putin. Plus: Slovenia’s Eurovision boycott and one year of Syria without Bashar al-Assad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pensions continue to be an ongoing source of political instability in Germany and France, we unpack why. Then: Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation. Plus: we meet Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, at ILTM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dominican Republic has allowed the US military to operate on its territory as the Trump administration prepares for further strikes on Venezuela. We get the view from the ground in Santo Domingo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Gulf leaders convene for the 46th GCC summit during a tense time for the region, we discuss what role the US could play in a joint defence plan. Plus: Design Miami, how taxes might have birthed civilisation and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luxury fashion groups LVMH and Armani look to the future as they shuffle their boards. Plus: what can recent elections tell us about the state of the far right in South America? Then: we’re live from Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign editor Alexis Self discusses a ‘pivotal week’ for diplomacy as Macron and Zelensky meet in Paris. Plus: a documentary about Pulitzer-winning war photographer Lynsey Addario. And: Monocle’s Switzerland Handbook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Hungary’s prime minister travels to Moscow for talks on Ukraine, Zelensky’s top aid is investigated for corruption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmanuel Macron details a new plan for voluntary military service in France. Plus: Highlights from The Monocle Weekender in Abu Dhabi and The Global Countdown in Cambodia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports confirm the original US peace deal for Ukraine as being lifted from a Russian document after Steve Witkoff’s leaked call with a Kremlin negotiator. Where does America stand? Plus: if moving house is a logistical nightmare, how about a national archive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) warns changing demographics in Europe threaten its economic stability. We talk to the EBRD’s chief economist to unpack the report. Then: the latest urbanism news and Taiwan’s Oscar entry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack the latest on Ukraine's peace talks in Geneva – will Russia ever be satisfied with the outcome? Also on the programme: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on Cop30 and Eurovision news. Plus: The International Operations and Metiers Director of Van Cleef & Arpels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The full US peace plan for Ukraine is revealed, Italy braces for a potential upgrade by Moody’s after years of stagnation and we meet Marcus Mucha, executive director of Prague’s Mucha Museum. Plus: Winkreative’s new campaign for Canary Wharf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and commentator David Marsh on whether France and Germany can still be the engine of Europe. Plus: Monocle’s editors discuss the new December/January issue, which is out today. And: this week’s episode of ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.