
The Monocle Daily
Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2025 • 42min
Will Ukraine become a testing ground for new, foreign weapons?
After a dramatic week in Ukraine, we discuss what futures lie ahead for the country’s struggle against Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 17, 2025 • 37min
Merz-Starmer summit in London: Will Germany and the UK answer Trump’s demands?
The UK’s Keir Starmer and Germany’s Friedrich Merz reach a security pact and pledge mutual defence. Can they help Europe step up after a deal to purchase US weapons and steer them towards Ukraine?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 16, 2025 • 38min
Tariffs, budgets and politics: how the West is dealing with uncertain economies
Marie LeConte, a political journalist and author, and Philip Coggan, a business journalist and author of 'The Economic Consequences of Mr Trump,' dive into the complex landscape of global trade. They discuss the implications of Trump’s tariffs and whether countries should retaliate. The conversation shifts to public support for budget cuts in France and other nations facing financial strain. With wit and insight, they explore how these economic strategies are perceived by voters and their potential effects on local and international politics.

Jul 15, 2025 • 40min
Israel strikes tanks in Syria amid violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin factions
As violence breaks out in Syria again, Tara Kangarlou and Olga Tokariuk join Andrew Mueller to discuss what this spells out for the future of the country and relations with Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 14, 2025 • 36min
Deal or no deal? Trump gives Russia 50 days to make peace
Stephen Diel, a Russia analyst, and Elizabeth Braw, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, dive into Trump's ultimatum to Russia for a ceasefire. They discuss the potential impact of his threats, like new tariffs on Russia's oil. The conversation shifts from geopolitical tensions to the moral duties of artists under oppressive regimes, spotlighting conductor Valery Gergiev's silence on the war. They also reflect on the risks of prolonged political leadership, using examples from around the world, addressing the intersection of art, politics, and global conflicts.

Jul 11, 2025 • 43min
What’s next for US-Ukraine relations as world awaits Trump’s announcement
Chris Cermak and Julia Lasica analyse whether this time is different for US-Ukraine relations as Trump telegraphs a major announcement for Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 10, 2025 • 41min
The UK and France reach historic nuclear-cooperation deal – and other agreements
Carol Walker, a Times Radio presenter and former BBC correspondent, joins Marion Messmer, a Senior Research Fellow in International Security at Chatham House, to delve into the recent UK-France nuclear cooperation deal. They discuss the revitalization of Anglo-French ties amid shifting European defense dynamics. The conversation also touches on Poland's emerging role in security, the ongoing challenges of Brexit relations, and the unpredictable nature of U.S. foreign policy, all set against the backdrop of broader international tensions.

Jul 9, 2025 • 40min
Will Gaza finally get a ceasefire – and can the US guarantee that it holds?
Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, and political journalist Terry Stiastny delve into the precarious situation in Gaza. They discuss the nuances of the reported ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the Trump administration's role as a guarantor. Their conversation highlights the complexity of international relations and the ongoing challenges for regional stability. Along the way, they also touch on the transformative nature of artificial intelligence and its implications for modern conflict and communication.

Jul 8, 2025 • 38min
Does Donald Trump deserve a Nobel Peace Prize?
Lynn O'Donnell, a columnist for Foreign Policy and former Kabul bureau chief, joins Petri Bertsoff, Monocle's Helsinki correspondent, to explore the absurdity of Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination. They discuss the implications of such nominations amidst ongoing global crises. The conversation shifts to the troubling decline of the Ottawa Treaty on landmines and its consequences for Ukraine, along with an unexpected discussion on tourism's effects on local cultures in major cities.

Jul 7, 2025 • 36min
Brics nations criticise Nato’s increased defence-spending target and Parisian swimmers return to the Seine
Evdoxia Lemperi, UK correspondent for ERT, and Oscar Guardiola Rivera, a professor at Birkbeck College, dive into the BRICS nations' criticism of NATO's increased defense spending. They discuss the geopolitical tensions and Brazil's unique stance in this shifting landscape. The conversation then shifts to Greece's evolving military role and its strategic importance. Finally, they celebrate the return of swimming to the Seine, highlighting environmental improvements and the cultural renaissance in urban spaces.