Monocle 24: The Briefing

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.

Lord Adair Turner joins us from Belém with details of what Cop30 has been able to achieve. Plus: a look at what’s making headlines in the business world. Then: the government effort to make Italian a global language and the latest from the Venice Biennale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, returns to the White House for the first time since 2017, eyeing a deal for fighter jets. Then: Peru’s plans to cement itself as a tourist hub. Plus: we pop the cork on the latest sparkling-wine ventures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volodymyr Zelensky is in Paris today in a bid to secure air defences as Russian strikes become increasingly lethal. Then: can Belém’s Cop30 increase Brazil’s soft power amid protests? Plus: the state of the fashion industry ahead of 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US aircraft carrier strike group has arrived in the Caribbean, putting president Trump’s peace through strength mantra to the test. Then: how hard is it to report on the Pentagon after the press corps clear-out? Plus: Meloni battles for her Albanian immigration plans and is soft power still effective?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United Nations special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, outlines her report on the systemic violation of Palestinian self-determination and what the international community must do to secure peace. Then: the winter issue of ‘Konfekt’ hits newsstands and we travel to Belem, Brazil, on ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest on the far-reaching corruption scandal involving state nuclear power in Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump issued symbolic pardons for close allies who aided his efforts to dispute the 2020 presidential election. Plus: Ireland’s new president, Reebok embraces AI and an Asian news round-up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US senators reach a deal to end the government shutdown. Plus: we explore international development with the CEO of World Neighbors and look ahead to Cop30 in Brazil. Plus: design and fashion news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Gulf correspondent reports from Dubai Design Week, where the region’s largest creative festival underscores the city’s growing influence through a diverse programme of regional exhibitions, experimental projects and design showcases. Plus: we hear from Tyler Brûlé in Hong Kong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After glassmaker Duralex raised €16m in pledges in just one day and minister Serge Papin proposed new profit-sharing reforms to boost purchasing power, we discuss how citizen investment and policy are coming together to support local industry and spark a renewed “buy French” spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani campaigned on affordability and a rent-freeze plan. We discuss how cities worldwide are tackling the housing crisis and what mayors can do to stabilise local real estate markets. Plus: a look through the papers and the latest in fashion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of Americans head to the polls for elections that will test Democrats and gauge the mood ahead of next year’s midterms. Then: the legacy of former vice-president Dick Cheney, who died aged 84. Plus: Steven Tyler’s Italian legal battle and the Tokyo International Film Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourist numbers crash in Thailand, final campaigning in New York’s mayoral race and the latest business news as global markets continue to soar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia strikes Ukraine’s rail links and uses a ‘secret’ missile, Italy’s proposals for judicial reform win backing from lawmakers and the city as a public living room as we stop by London’s biggest fireworks display.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump returns from trade talks in Asia as a US carrier strike group moves into position in the Caribbean. What is the administration planning? Plus: the view from Europe on the US-China trade deal and ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As reports emerge of French forces preparing for deployment to Ukraine by 2026, our Paris bureau chief joins to discuss. Plus: Portugal’s nationality laws and a gripping new feature film about Palestine in 1936. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest from Tokyo as Trump meets Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. Then: Andrew Mueller speaks to former US ambassador to the UN, John Bolton. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on New York’s magazine scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, explores the Thailand-Cambodia peace deal. Then: senior news editor Chris Cermak gives us the latest on the US government shutdown and we learn how the ‘Demon Slayer’ franchise has taken over the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up on a report by the Norwegian Refugee Council on life on the ground for Palestinians in the West Bank. Plus: Mamdani’s final debate, Art Taipei and the latest issue of Monocle magazine!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Brûlé hosts from our studio in Paris with the latest from Art Basel and France’s tumultuous politics. Plus: Monocle’s new November magazine and our ‘Designers on Sofas’ book launches in New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US vice-president JD Vance are set to meet in Jerusalem today. What will this mean for the ceasefire in Gaza? Then: Hermès taps Grace Wales Bonner and we look to Art Basel Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Fiona Wilson reports on Sanae Takaichi’s historic win and the daunting task ahead for Japan’s first female prime minister. Plus: A flip through the Latin American papers and we check-in with Tyler Brûlé in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s communist elites map out a political strategy to boost the nation’s ailing economy. Then: the latest following a daylight robbery of precious jewels from the Louvre. Plus: a round-up of this year's Frieze London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenyans remember former prime minister Raila Odinga at his historic state funeral. Plus: Fashion news and why the Eiffel Tower keeps losing money despite being one of France’s most-visited monuments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamas’s crackdown on rival militias puts a spotlight on the power vacuum in Gaza and deepens questions over Donald Trump’s next phase for peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What signals is the US president sending with talk of bailing out Argentina during a week of annual International Monetary Fund meetings? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Briefing’ is live from Tokyo with Tyler Brûlé, looking back at the Osaka Expo and what it means for Japan’s future. Plus: can Sanae Takaichi really become prime minister? And: what’s behind Japan’s political uncertainty? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US president, Donald Trump, addresses the Knesset as leaders head to Egypt for a Gaza peace summit. Plus: Business news with Bloomberg and how Portugal’s local elections are a win for the centre-right.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leila Molana-Allen, Monocle’s Middle East correspondent, has the latest on the Gaza ceasefire deal, as well as Trump’s planned visit to Israel this weekend and the expected release of hostages by Hamas early next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Texas National Guard troops arrive in Chicago, we discuss why the Windy City has become the focus of the US president’s immigration crackdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.