

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

Sep 24, 2025 • 42min
Germany leads the way for Europe’s rearmament. Plus: The legacy of Chinese architect Kongjian Yu
Elizabeth Braw, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, delves into Europe's ambitious military rearmament plans and the challenges of meeting a 2030 deadline. Meanwhile, Rainbow Murray, a politics professor, analyzes the domestic implications of Germany's military role within Europe. They also tackle the alarming rise of medical misinformation, discussing the political ramifications of misleading claims about paracetamol and pregnancy. Lastly, the guests reflect on the legacy of urbanist Kongjian Yu and the cultural significance of preserving language.

10 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 36min
Trump’s UN tirade raises questions over trade, climate and alliances
In this engaging discussion, geopolitical analyst Aleksandra Tirziu, global affairs analyst Rajesh Mirchandani, and Asia-focused analyst Remko Tanis dive into the implications of Trump's fiery UN speech. They explore the shifting dynamics of trade and multilateralism, highlighting India-Europe relations and rising Chinese influence in Africa. The guests also assess how Trump's rhetoric might affect US diplomacy and prospects for a Trump-Xi reset, igniting a compelling debate on global alliances and strategy.

Sep 22, 2025 • 42min
Trump’s shadow looms large as the UN General Assembly opens
Emily Issa Ajo, an expert in peace mediation at ETH Zurich, and Gorana Gurdjic, a security correspondent, dive into the complex landscape of the UN General Assembly. They discuss the lingering influence of Trump-era politics on international diplomacy and the challenges facing the UN today. The conversation touches on Austria's stance against Eurovision boycotts, the rising recognition of Palestine, and the implications of Russia's new satellite initiative. Moreover, they explore an intriguing study suggesting that modest alcohol consumption might enhance language learning.

Sep 19, 2025 • 34min
What Trump’s visit revealed about the cracks and endurance of British soft power
Donald Trump left the UK after a warm Windsor welcome from the King and Keir Starmer. As the dust settles, we discuss the power and price of giving one of the world’s most divisive figures the royal treatment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 2025 • 39min
Is the long-feared US civil-liberties crackdown finally here?
Marion Messmer, a Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, and Marta Lorimer, a Politics Lecturer at Cardiff University, dive into the U.S. crackdown on free speech. They discuss how pressures from political figures target late-night hosts, fostering a culture of self-censorship in media and universities. The conversation expands to social cohesion, examining community support initiatives in London and the backdrop of protests in France. They also touch on AI advancements and the influence of smartphones on modern conflicts, revealing the complexities of today's political landscape.

Sep 17, 2025 • 40min
Britain goes all out for Trump, the EU’s Israel tariffs and drone skills for children
The US president Donald Trump’s official welcome on his second UK state visit, the EU wants sanctions on Israel, Lithuania teaches children drone skills and is it still possible to have a discussion?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 16, 2025 • 40min
Donald Trump kicks off historic second state visit to the UK
As US president Donald Trump and first lady Melania start their UK tour at Windsor Castle, we discuss what the government hopes to gain from the royal and military pageantry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 15, 2025 • 39min
Israel warns Hamas leaders of action ‘wherever they are’ as Qatar hosts Arab-Islamic emergency summit
Erin O'Halloran, a Cambridge historian and author of 'East of Empire', and Yossi Meckleberg from Chatham House discuss critical Middle Eastern tensions. They analyze the significance of the Doha summit and the ramifications of Israel's recent airstrikes on Hamas. The conversation touches on concerns of Arab states about peace with Israel and the potential for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Additionally, they explore Russia's drone activity near NATO's borders, revealing the complexities of international relations in a volatile landscape.

14 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 38min
What does Bolsonaro’s sentencing mean for Brand Brazil? Plus: a tumultuous week in France
Ed Stocker, Monocle's Europe editor at large, dives into the 27-year sentencing of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, unpacking its ramifications for Brazilian democracy and public opinion. He also discusses the chaotic political climate in France, highlighting the challenges President Macron faces amidst protests. The conversation extends to Rome's ambitious plan to revitalize the Tiber River, raising questions about public trust in political initiatives. Plus, unexpected insights into urban mobility and the impact of transport strikes in London.

Sep 11, 2025 • 40min
Crisis warnings in the US after Charlie Kirk’s killing – is this a turning point?
Lynn O'Donnell, a Foreign Policy columnist and former Kabul bureau chief, teams up with Nomi Bar-Yakov, an expert in diplomacy and geopolitics. They dive into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, questioning its implications for U.S. political discourse. The duo debates the dangers of divisive rhetoric and violence in politics, particularly for younger generations. They also analyze the strained relations between Israel and Qatar and explore how artificial intelligence could reshape governance, raising essential ethical questions.