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.

Julie Norman, a politics expert from UCL, and Stephen DL, a prominent Russia analyst, dive into Russia's military strategies amid ongoing conflicts in Syria. They discuss whether Russia can sustain its interests while juggling commitments in Ukraine and the implications of rebel advances. The conversation also touches on the escalating U.S.-China trade tensions over semiconductors and the diplomatic efforts led by France and Saudi Arabia in the Israel-Palestine conflict, revealing the complexities of international relations in the region.