The Monocle Daily

Join Daniela Pellet, Managing Editor of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, and historian Alex von Tunzelmann as they navigate the complex world of ceasefires and international relations. They dissect the legacy of Pope Francis, highlighting his efforts in promoting peace and environmental justice. The conversation dives into the intricacies of ceasefires as both tools of war and potential paths to peace, questioning their effectiveness amid contemporary conflicts. Expect a mix of serious analysis and cultural reflections that keep the dialogue engaging.

Anita Ryota, a Monocle radio producer, and Chris Chermak, the senior news editor, explore gripping topics like the potential U.S. recession sparked by economic shifts and the recent meeting between Donald Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. They analyze market reactions, consumer behavior changes, and the rising interest in gardening amidst financial uncertainty. The conversation takes a musical turn with La Force discussing themes of love and mortality, all while navigating the absurdities of political narratives and billionaires' space ventures.

James Rogers, an Associate Professor of International Journalism, and Evdoxia Limperi, the UK correspondent for ERT, dive into crucial talks in Paris among global leaders about a potential Ukraine ceasefire. They unpack Denmark's troop training initiatives and Greece's military enhancements with anti-ship missiles from France. Additionally, they discuss South Korea's recent decision to curb school trips following a tragic incident, reflecting on how safety concerns reshape educational experiences.

Isabel Hilton, an international journalist and founder of China Dialogue, explores Angola's controversial proposal to impose severe prison sentences on fake news, highlighting the implications for press freedom. Yossi Meckleberg discusses the complex international diplomacy surrounding Hamas and trade tensions. Richard Susskind shares insights from his book on AI, stressing the transformative impacts on the legal sector and the importance of ethical governance as technology evolves. They all weave a narrative of caution amid rapid global changes.

Noortje Marres, a professor specializing in science, technology, and society at the University of Warwick, dives into the fascinating world of AI. She discusses whether AI is designed to assist us or potentially replace human roles. Marres highlights the paradox of AI creating more jobs despite fears of automation taking over. Additionally, she advocates for community involvement in AI governance, urging a reevaluation of its societal impacts while warning about the risks of diminishing social diversity due to technological predictability.

Elizabeth Braw, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and journalist Vincent McEavenny discuss the complexities of the Sudan conflict and the UK's diplomatic efforts to promote peace amidst chaos. They explore the ramifications of U.S. funding cuts to universities, highlighting the tension between government policy and academic freedom. Additionally, they dive into the absurdity of recent Algerian-French diplomatic strains and provide insights into urban noise management in Lisbon, contrasting it with the echoes of conflict experienced in war zones.

US president Donald Trump hosts his El Salvador counterpart, Nayib Bukele, as his influence in Central America grows. Also on the programme: Xi Jinping seeks to strengthen economic ties as he tours Southeast Asia and European travellers turn their backs on trips to the US. Then: why we’re addicted to bad news as our love of ‘doomscrolling’ continues. Plus: we speak to Dr Janne Taalas, CEO of the CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re live from both the Delphi Economic Forum and Salone del Mobile. Then: Carlota Rebelo brings the latest headlines from Portugal and we look at what Greek myths say about contemporary culture. Plus: Andrew Mueller delivers ‘What We Learned’ this week.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carole Walker and Tom Rivers assess the global effects of Trump’s 90-day pause on most of the latest tariffs. Also on the programme: the latest from Russia’s spring offensive in Ukraine and why European leaders are embracing US right-wing media. Then: which countries have the best and worst tourists? Plus: we check in with Andrew Mueller at the Delphi Economic Forum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robin Lustig and Rainbow Murray look at Donald Trump’s moves to convince Iran to ditch its nuclear programme, how AP got back in the White House, whether a new coalition could make Germany a leader in Europe again and why residents of San Sebastián are rejecting the Fifa World Cup. Plus: our On This Day series considers the moment that Confederate general Robert E Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.