Antonio Sampaio, an expert on Brazilian politics, joins Stefan de Vries, a European affairs correspondent, along with Google’s Renee Lowe and economist Vicky Price. They dive into the recent US-China tensions emerging from the APEC summit and analyze Biden and Xi's critical discussions on Taiwan and cybersecurity. The conversation shifts to Brazil's rising diplomatic influence and the internal political strife in the Netherlands. They also touch on the impact of natural disasters in the Philippines and explore the evolution of the French language through a historic dictionary.

Political journalist Terry Stiasny and communications consultant Simon Brook dive into President Biden’s controversial pardon for his son, Hunter, exploring themes of nepotism and political satire. They discuss France’s government facing turmoil over budget decisions and the broader implications for European governance. The conversation touches on Ireland’s economic dependence on the U.S. and rising public dissatisfaction with services in the UK, reflecting on how these interconnected issues shape political sentiments.

In this discussion, journalist Simon Brooke and managing editor Daniela Peled delve into Europe's defense strategies for Ukraine, influenced by leaders like Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron. They analyze the intricate political climate amid upcoming elections and Trump’s potential return. The conversation shifts to the stagnant mediation efforts in the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies in a shifting geopolitical landscape. The hosts lighten the mood by exploring the allure and challenges of long cruises, juxtaposing personal tales with serious global issues.