We get an update on a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan to end a decades-long conflict before we turn to Germany’s historic agreement on defence spending, a wrap-up of Mipim, the joys of department stores and the pitfalls of artificial lakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vladimir Putin agrees in principle to a Ukraine ceasefire. We speak with Charles Hecker about how the US will respond. Then: panellists John Everard and Carole Walker discuss what Russia wants, how to fight a tariff war and whether restaurants should rate their customers. Plus: our weekly letter is from Hong Kong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the US, will Russia follow suit? Also in the programme: the EU’s plan to send rejected asylum seekers to deportation centres in non-EU countries and what to expect from France’s new TGV M high-speed trains. Plus, Andrew Mueller’s “On This Day” looks back on the naming of Canberra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leila Molana-Allen and Robin Brant consider how country allegiances have shifted in this uncertain era of geopolitics, covering everything from Gaza and Ukraine talks to this week’s Russia-China-Iran military exercises to a new trade partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam. Plus: the lone violin maker of RamallahSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Carney has come out swinging against Donald Trump since being elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party – will the aggressive approach work? Our panellists Nina dos Santos and Caroline Frost discuss the tone of politics, and whether Romania is right to ban a Russia-friendly candidate. Plus: Midnight Moment, the Times Square secret you’ve never heard of.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from Andrew Thompson following Donald Trump’s decision to delay tariffs on many products from Mexico. Also in the programme, Grace Charlton provides highlights from Paris Fashion Week and Nic Monisse on the life of the late architect Ricardo Scofidio. Then: Kate Hutchinson discusses the soft power of the royals as King Charles III announces a new show on Apple Music. Then: Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marion Messmer and Daniella Peled on the EU’s plans for firming up Ukraine, a “coalition of the willing” and an extended nuclear umbrella. Then: Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Hamas; Syria gives up chemical weapons; and why Swiss palace police aren’t allowed chairs. Plus: a letter from Damascus by Hannah Lucinda Smith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panellists Andrew Tuck and Julie Norman discuss Germany and Europe’s plan to rearm and where Europe should save money instead. Then: the lost art of decorum in politics and Congress; how to clean up our cities; and who you would pay the most money to have dinner with. Plus: Peter Sparding’s book, ‘No Better Friend? The United States and Germany Since 1945’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign affairs minister, joins Lynne O’Donnell and Josh Fehnert to discuss how US soft power will transform under Donald Trump. Then: how the media should cover shifting geopolitical dynamics. Plus: the Cairo summit and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new book hits stands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tessa Szyszkowitz and Robin Lustig join us in Midori House to assess the past 72 hours as Keir Starmer takes centre stage and Donald Trump continues his row with Volodymyr Zelensky. What happens next? Plus, Austria’s three-party government takes office and we ask: are shorter books a boon? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.