The Monocle Daily

Monocle
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Oct 28, 2025 • 44min

Is Donald Trump getting softer on trade? The cases of Japan and China

Patti Cohen, a global economics correspondent at The New York Times, shares insights on Trump’s approach to trade relations with Japan and China. Journalist Simon Brook discusses Japan's prioritization of US security ties and the country’s defense role amidst regional threats. Hong Kong filmmaker Elizabeth Lowe reveals the intriguing role of mistress dispellers in Chinese culture, exploring themes of ethics and family values. The conversation unveils the complexities of international diplomacy and cultural practices.
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14 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 42min

Is the US readying for war in the Caribbean? The case of Venezuela

Zoë Grunewald, Westminster editor at The Lead, offers insights on UK and international affairs, while Justin Quirk, a cultural and geopolitical commentator, dives into the complexities of Latin America. They analyze the US naval movements near Venezuela, exploring the implications of the Donroe Doctrine and Trump's complicated military strategies. Simon Hart, former Chief Whip of the UK House of Commons, discusses the pressures of modern politics and the need for better support for future politicians amid today’s challenges.
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8 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 40min

Trump terminates trade negotiations with Canada over ad criticising tariffs. Plus: Monocle’s November issue

Thomas Lewis, Monocle's Toronto correspondent, analyzes the fallout from Trump's termination of trade talks with Canada, sparked by a controversial Ontario ad. Leila Molana-Allen shares her insights on the precarious media access to Gaza and the challenging conditions in the West Bank. Julia Jen highlights compelling themes in Monocle's November issue, including military developments in Poland. An intriguing clip features Nicolas Gousron discussing Bridget Riley’s artistic connections to Seurat at the Musée d'Orsay.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 36min

Are Trump’s sanctions on Russia’s oil companies enough to send a message? 

Join journalist Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, and Evdoxia Lempieri, UK correspondent for ERT, as they delve into the ramifications of Trump's sanctions on Russia's oil giants, Lukoil and Rosneft. They debate whether these measures will genuinely pressure Russia and explore secondary sanctions' ripple effects. The discussion shifts to China's charm offensive in Taiwan, probing cultural ties and its soft-power strategies. Lastly, they tackle Greece's proposed protest ban at monumental sites, weighing constitutional concerns against symbolism.
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9 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 42min

Russia’s plans to increase its propaganda budget, Vance meets Netanyahu and the EU’s first anti-far-right European Council

Elizabeth Braw, a senior fellow on defense and international affairs, and Stephen Diel, a Russia analyst, dive into the complexities of current geopolitical issues. They discuss Russia's plans to increase its propaganda budget amid ongoing attacks in Ukraine. The conversation shifts to JD Vance's meeting with Netanyahu and the dynamics of the Gaza ceasefire. Braw and Diel also analyze the rise of far-right movements in Europe and the impact of international pressure on regional conflicts, revealing the intricate balance of power.
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Oct 21, 2025 • 39min

Is a summit between Trump and Putin ever likely to happen? Plus: Sarkozy begins his five-year term

This discussion features Alex von Tunzelman, a historian and author, alongside Phil Tinline, a journalist and documentary maker. They dive into the prospects of a Trump-Putin summit and its implications for Ukraine, exploring Hungary's role in NATO. The conversation also touches on Nicolas Sarkozy's prison sentence, assessing its impact on political accountability in France. Additionally, the duo examines the safety concerns surrounding Lime's billion rides and the challenges of regulating new technology amidst urban issues.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 37min

Will the proposed Trump-Putin summit in Budapest do any good?

Featuring Rainbow Murray, a politics professor at Queen Mary University, Nick Gowing, broadcast journalist and security analyst, and Julie Norman, an expert on Gaza. They delve into the tension at Trump's meeting with Zelensky, questioning the implications for Ukraine. The potential Trump-Putin summit's effects on European security are explored. Julie discusses Gaza's complex history and its resilience amidst contemporary conflict, highlighting the motivations behind Hamas’ actions and the uncertain future for the territory.
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Oct 17, 2025 • 38min

Frieze London kicks off a massive week for the art market

Sophie Monaghan-Coombs is Monocle's Associate Editor for Culture, bringing insights from the vibrant Frieze London art fair, highlighting standout pieces like Roman glasses and a Leonora Carrington cradle. Leila Molana-Allen, Monocle’s Middle East correspondent, offers a poignant analysis of the Gaza ceasefire and contrasting moods between Israel and the West Bank, revealing a leadership vacuum among Palestinians. Together, they discuss the dynamic art market and pressing geopolitical issues with engaging commentary.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 40min

French prime minister survives two votes of no confidence – but at what cost?

Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent and former CNN Europe editor, joins journalist Vincent McEavenny and contributor Isabella Orlando. They analyze how Sebastien Lecornu avoided two votes of no confidence, highlighting the political gamble around Macron’s pension reforms. The trio discusses the implications for France’s fiscal health and voter acceptance of reforms. They also explore the controversial appointment of Tony Blair for Gaza's reconstruction and the looming complexities in defining China as both a trade partner and a national security concern.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 37min

Putin is left without a summit – is the tide turning against Russia?

In this discussion, political experts Alexander Gerlach and Julie Norman explore how Vladimir Putin's canceled summit signals a shift in Russia's influence in the Middle East. They delve into the complexities of Putin's relationships with regional powers like Syria and Iran. The conversation also touches on the evolving US stance on Ukraine and the implications of Germany's proposed conscription lottery. AI's impact on student culture and military recruitment in the US versus Germany rounds out a thought-provoking analysis.

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