Isabel Hilton joins Emma Nelson for a look through the week’s news. Plus: we head to St Moritz to get the latest from our editorial director, Tyler Brûlé. Then: Monocle’s Balkans correspondent, Guy De Launey, gives us the latest news from the region.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In this engaging discussion, David Badanis, a political theorist known for his work on leadership, teams up with geopolitics expert Charles Hacker, author of "Zero Sum." They tackle the complexities of leadership in today's turbulent political landscape, contrasting authoritarian and balanced approaches. The conversation also delves into the importance of meaningful media in a screen-saturated world, the charm of local communities in declining urban settings, and the humorous absurdities of our current events, making for a lively and thought-provoking dialogue.

Petri Burtsoff, Monocle's correspondent in Helsinki and a Finnish culture expert, shares vibrant insights into Finland's unique Christmas traditions. He humorously contrasts Finnish and Swedish customs surrounding Santa Claus, revealing cultural quirks and the melancholic charm of Finnish holiday music. The conversation dives into the enchanting atmosphere of Rovaniemi, the heart of Santa tourism, while embracing the festive spirit. Listeners will be captivated by the rich tapestry of Christmas customs and the character of holiday celebrations in Finland.

Nina dos Santos, a seasoned broadcaster specializing in global affairs, and Andrew Tuck from the Monocle editorial team discuss festive themes from London's Christmas market. They explore Finland's branding of Santa as a diplomatic icon while dissecting Syria's complex geopolitical landscape. Camouflage in fashion takes center stage, revealing its cultural resurgence amid recession. Allegations of foreign interference spotlight Prince Andrew’s connections, while quirky Japanese cafes lead to insights on tourism and cultural exchanges.

Juliet Linley, a former Vatican correspondent, joins Andrew Tuck, Monocle's editor-in-chief, and Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Istanbul correspondent focusing on the Syrian conflict. They discuss the shifting power dynamics in Syria, the impact of recent diplomatic meetings, and the cultural significance behind them. The conversation also highlights Zurich's charm during the Christmas market, tales of urban innovation, and the latest in sustainable fashion trends. This festive dialogue weaves together politics, culture, and holiday cheer.

Joining the discussion are Juliet Linley, known for her sharp insights on current events, Gorana Grgić, a security studies expert offering geopolitical analysis, and Andrew Tuck, Monocle’s editor in chief, who shares his travel experiences. They explore the impact of urbanization on cultural heritage, delve into the chaos of counterfeit currency in Turkey, and unpack the latest in the Syrian conflict. Plus, discover the enchanting elements of Zurich's Christmas markets and how they stand out among Europe's festive offerings.

Juliet Linley and Chandra Kurt join Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss the weekend’s hottest topics. We also speak to Monocle’s executive editor, Christopher Lord, and get the latest news from Monocle’s Vienna correspondent, Alexei Korolyov. Plus: Katja Weber, the organiser of Zürich’s enchanting Christmas market at Bellevue, joins us to share her seasonal insights.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rainbow Murray joins Emma Nelson for a look through the week’s news, including Cop29 and a Marine Le Pen lawsuit. Plus: we head to Sydney for insights into the UBS Australasia Conference 2024 with Monocle’s Asia editor James Chambers. Then: Monocle’s France correspondent, Mary Fitzgerald, gives us the latest news from the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Schlesinger and Tessa Szyszkowitz join Emma Nelson in London for a look back at the week’s news, including the fallout from the US election. Plus: Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, joins from Sydney ahead of next week’s live broadcast of ‘The Globalist’ from the Harbour City. Finally, Monocle’s New Delhi correspondent, Lyndee Prickitt, gives us the latest headlines from India. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.