The Monocle Daily
Monocle
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 25, 2025 • 43min
Fancy paying the US Treasury’s $37.1trn debt? There’s a website for that
As the “gifts to reduce the public debt” website causes a stir in the US with a new payment method, Monocle’s in-house team joins to discuss splitting the bill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
Pragmatism vs politics at the China-EU summit
As Brussels and Beijing mark 50 years of diplomacy, we discuss how simmering tensions might scupper progress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
Israel passes motion backing annexation of the West Bank
As the Knesset votes in favour of imposing “Israeli sovereignty” on the West Bank, we discuss how this symbolic gesture could eventually result in concrete action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 22, 2025 • 40min
Is al-Sharaa’s Syria failing to live up to Western optimism?
As indirect talks between Syria and Israel resume, we discuss what lies ahead for the country’s interim leader as the fragile Druze-Bedouin ceasefire holds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 21, 2025 • 39min
Growing global frustrations with Netanyahu. Plus: How to incentivise a diaspora to return home
As Israel launches an offensive in Deir al-Balah, we discuss the US’s waning patience with Benjamin Netanyahu. Then: India and China repair ties and European nations look to incentivise a return of their diaspora.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
