Tyler Brûlé, Editorial director of Monocle from St Moritz, joins Simon Brook, Stephen DL, and Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent from Marseille. They delve into Britain's defense issues, contrasting intimate New Year celebrations with grand Parisian festivities. A lively debate emerges around the significance of Alexei Navalny's memoir and NATO's strategic shifts amidst rising tensions with Russia and China. Mary shares her winter swimming experiences, illuminating cultural perceptions and the invigorating joys of cold immersion.

Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent, sheds light on the recent departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, analyzing the quest for sovereignty and the shift towards alliances with Russia. Meanwhile, Zoe Grunabald, Westminster editor, discusses political developments including RFK Jr.'s hearings and Friedrich Merz's alliance with the AFD. The conversation reveals how these geopolitical shifts impact regional stability, as well as broader global political trends and their implications for both European and American dynamics.

Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent, discusses Morocco's booming tourism, driven by its European diaspora despite safety challenges for female travelers. Alice Whittington, a DJ and curator, shares her journey in compiling a vibrant album of Southeast Asian pop music, highlighting the region's cultural evolution post-independence. The chat also touches on the leadership changes in both politics and the arts, weaving a narrative of innovation against the backdrop of rich, historical legacies.