Monocle 24: The Briefing

We discuss the shattering of a fragile ceasefire as Pakistan launches overnight attacks on major Afghan cities, including Kabul. Where will the escalation lead and what are the regional implications?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diplomats are once again descending on Geneva as fresh talks on both the US-Iran nuclear deal and the Russia-Ukraine war get under way. We discuss why it appeals as a location and the prospect for progress on either side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest from Washington following Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Then: we discuss the significance of German rearmament with Liana Fix. Plus: the latest business news and a check-in from Milano Fashion Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Jenne reflects on four years of war in Ukraine and discusses comments from the country’s ambassador to the UK. Then: we meet Maria Alyokhina, a member of Russian feminist activist group Pussy Riot. Plus: European news with Ed Stocker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Mike Sfraga, the US’s former ambassador at large for Arctic affairs, about Nordic co-operation. Plus: winners and losers at the Baftas and we meet Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar in Tokyo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweden prepares for war by training its civilian reserve, we speak with British MP Mike Martin about European defence and meet Raffaella Paniè, the director of brand, identity and look for the Winter Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Andrew Tuck joins to discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest and its significance for the royal family. Then: South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is sentenced to life in prison. And: Airbus warns that it’s struggling to get engines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pew Research Center asked 30,000 people what makes them proud of their country. We parse through the results – between attitudes, geography and cuisine. Plus: Monocle staffers share why they’re proud of their nations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A protege of Martin Luther King Jr, Jesse Jackson left an indelible mark on US politics. Then: why Saudi Arabia is downsizing development plans and how Jamaica is building climate resilience into tourism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palestine takes one step forward and two steps back on statehood. Then: what is the future of Gulf Co-operation Council and EU relations? Plus: Brazil’s first Olympic gold and ‘Monocle in Milan’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Edwards hosts a round-up of the conversations from Monocle Radio’s pop-up studio on the final day of the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Edwards hosts a round-up of the conversations from Monocle Radio’s pop-up studio on day two of the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Edwards hosts a round-up of conversations from Monocle Radio’s pop-up studio on the opening day of the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen says that the ambition is for “one Europe, one market” by 2027. We discuss the fine line that leaders have to walk to stay both competitive and open.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a year since the US vice president, JD Vance, reprimanded Europe at the Munich Security Conference. We hear from the Monocle team as it prepares for this year’s event and consider what’s on the agenda in a much changed world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The view from Toronto and Ottawa after at least 10 people are killed in a school shooting in Canada. Then: We look ahead to the Munich Security Conference. Plus: Switzerland and Austria's enduring Winter Olympics rivalry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Netanyahu requests an earlier meeting with Donald Trump over Iran. Then: We meet the team behind Zootopia 2 – Hollywood's biggest ever animated film. Plus: An exhibition dedicated to the future of winter sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the mood in Hong Kong as a court hands down the largest sentence to date under its national security law. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The view from Washington as contentious nuclear talks between the US and Iran begin in Oman. Then: we assess the impact of Trump’s new critical-minerals strategy on Asia. Plus: as the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan, we hear about some of this year’s unlikely competitors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost three-quarters of the world’s population lives under autocratic rulers according to Human Rights Watch. We discuss this ‘democratic recession’. Then: the final day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ from Puerto Rico.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear from Monocle’s team at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Then: Yuan Potts brings us the latest in the world of business. Plus: NYC’s first sauna festival, Culture of Bathe-ing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France’s prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, gets a budget passed after months of deadlock. Then: Monocle in Dubai for the World Governments Summit. Plus: Is China’s luxury market in recovery?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel accepts Gaza health authority’s death-toll figures in U-turn, as the Rafah border crossing tentatively reopens to Palestinians. Plus: Germany’s public-transport workers strike and the Melania documentary falls short. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has warned Iraq that it would lose all American support if controversial former prime minister Al-Maliki retakes office. Plus: a tourism uptick in Mongolia and Cape Town’s public pool upgrades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milan’s mayor has said that ICE agents are not welcome in his city for the Winter Games. Plus: we look at Monocle’s February issue and hear about high jewellery in Paris, AI tourism blunders and ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France hosts the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. Then: the future of Lebanon’s economy amid new investments. Plus: how is China’s oil market changing in light of Maduro’s arrest? And: Monocle design and fashion highlights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear from the groups trying to break through the information blockade in Iran during an internet blackout. Plus: Boeing results and the long history of Russian espionage in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s top-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, has been placed under investigation after being accused of giving nuclear secrets to the US. Then: coverage from Monocle’s recent trip to Nuuk and a look back at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the future of the Western military alliance following Greenland de-escalation. Plus: Winkreative’s Ariel Childs on Great Britain’s new colours for the America’s Cup and the Oscar nominationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo brings us a special broadcast from the World Economic Forum. Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s prime minister, tells us about his ambitions for his nation and the markets react to Davos. Plus: a special edition of The Global Countdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special broadcast from the World Economic Forum as US president Donald Trump touches down. We assess the market’s reaction and report on the landing from Zürich Airport. Plus: is Davos the world’s longest pop-up city?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special broadcast from the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. We look at the ever-changing guest list, unpack what makes a strong passport and the trends set to redefine the office. Plus: Valentino’s life and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest as the EU considers retaliatory measures over Trump’s Greenland tariff ‘blackmail’. Then: we hear from our team at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Plus: a preview of Milan Fashion Week Men’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.