Simone Bouvier, Monocle's Paris bureau chief, offers an insider's view on the crisis facing Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government amid a no-confidence vote over the contentious budget. Navina Kotor discusses Joe Biden's strategic visit to Angola, highlighting its impact on U.S.-Africa relations and countering China's influence. Meanwhile, Emma Nelson brings insights from the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, revealing exciting trends in personalized luxury travel and how the industry is adapting to new consumer preferences.

Hannah McCarthy, a foreign correspondent, discusses the complexities of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire proposal amid ongoing tensions. Fred Kemp, CEO of the Atlantic Council, analyzes the potential effects of the U.S. presidential election on global geopolitics. William Yang reports on the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rei in Taiwan, while Navina Kotor sheds light on the evolving political landscape in Kenya. Retail expert Rebecca Tay explores the unsettling trend of Christmas creep, highlighting changing consumer habits.