The Monocle Daily

Marion Messmer, a Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, and Marta Lorimer, a Politics Lecturer at Cardiff University, dive into the U.S. crackdown on free speech. They discuss how pressures from political figures target late-night hosts, fostering a culture of self-censorship in media and universities. The conversation expands to social cohesion, examining community support initiatives in London and the backdrop of protests in France. They also touch on AI advancements and the influence of smartphones on modern conflicts, revealing the complexities of today's political landscape.

The US president Donald Trump’s official welcome on his second UK state visit, the EU wants sanctions on Israel, Lithuania teaches children drone skills and is it still possible to have a discussion?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US president Donald Trump and first lady Melania start their UK tour at Windsor Castle, we discuss what the government hopes to gain from the royal and military pageantry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin O'Halloran, a Cambridge historian and author of 'East of Empire', and Yossi Meckleberg from Chatham House discuss critical Middle Eastern tensions. They analyze the significance of the Doha summit and the ramifications of Israel's recent airstrikes on Hamas. The conversation touches on concerns of Arab states about peace with Israel and the potential for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Additionally, they explore Russia's drone activity near NATO's borders, revealing the complexities of international relations in a volatile landscape.

Ed Stocker, Monocle's Europe editor at large, dives into the 27-year sentencing of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, unpacking its ramifications for Brazilian democracy and public opinion. He also discusses the chaotic political climate in France, highlighting the challenges President Macron faces amidst protests. The conversation extends to Rome's ambitious plan to revitalize the Tiber River, raising questions about public trust in political initiatives. Plus, unexpected insights into urban mobility and the impact of transport strikes in London.

Lynn O'Donnell, a Foreign Policy columnist and former Kabul bureau chief, teams up with Nomi Bar-Yakov, an expert in diplomacy and geopolitics. They dive into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, questioning its implications for U.S. political discourse. The duo debates the dangers of divisive rhetoric and violence in politics, particularly for younger generations. They also analyze the strained relations between Israel and Qatar and explore how artificial intelligence could reshape governance, raising essential ethical questions.

Should Nato take a tougher stance on Russia following its violation of Polish airspace? Then: the state of US-Israel ties after the latter’s attack on Qatar. Plus: is FM radio still important?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leila Molana-Allen, a regular Middle East correspondent for Monocle, and Michael Binion, a foreign affairs specialist for The Times, dive into the geopolitical implications of Israel's targeted strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar. They unravel the complexities of these actions amidst rising tensions and discuss Qatar’s role as a mediator. The conversation also segues into France's political turmoil following a no-confidence vote that ousted a key Prime Minister, examining President Macron's challenges and potential impacts on domestic stability.

Donald Trump threatens further sanctions on Russia following the latest strikes on Ukraine. Will Vladimir Putin listen? Plus: Keir Starmer is told to stop making mistakes, and we hear from Ahmed Shamali in Gaza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump renames the US defence ministry to the Department of War. Plus: National Guard deployment continues in a busy week in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.