The Monocle Daily

Alena Hlifko, founder of St James's Foreign Policy Group and commentator on Ukrainian affairs, shares insights on the current morale and resource challenges Ukraine faces. Former British ambassador John Everard delves into the implications of Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan and questions its motivations. The discussion reveals Europe's caution in supporting Ukraine militarily, exploring public sentiment and budget constraints. Both guests offer a fascinating perspective on the evolving geopolitical landscape as well as the cultural quirks of recovery.

Lynn O'Donnell, a seasoned journalist covering international affairs, and Stephen Diel, a Russia analyst, dive into the implications of Trump labeling Nicolás Maduro a terrorist. They explore how this affects Venezuela amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation also addresses Europe's dependence on the U.S. regarding Ukraine and the intricate dynamics of immigration politics. Later, Chris Chermak interviews author David Marsh, who discusses Europe's future and its post-Cold War challenges, shedding light on the continent's integration and the evolving threats posed by Russia.

Joining the discussion are Vincent McEvaney, a savvy political commentator, and Bertu Erschelich, a Middle East security expert. They delve into the recent US-Ukrainian peace talks and the implications of Israel targeting Hezbollah's leadership. Julia Ioffe adds a compelling perspective on her book 'Motherland,' exploring the evolution of Russian women's roles throughout history. The conversation also touches on Saudi Arabia's surprising easing of alcohol restrictions for expatriates amidst its ambitious tourism goals.

Leila Malana-Allen, a Middle East correspondent, delves into the findings of a UNIFIL report that reveals over 10,000 ceasefire violations by Israel, detailing the impact on civilians in southern Lebanon. She discusses Hezbollah's dwindling strength due to leadership losses and regional instability, highlighting the group's continued support from the local population for social services. Meanwhile, Petri Bertsoff shares insights from Helsinki's Slush event, focusing on the booming interest in AI and deep tech among investors and startups.

Carol Walker, a political commentator and Times Radio presenter, teams up with Charles Hecker, a Russia expert and author, to dissect the intricacies of Zelensky's upcoming meeting with a US army delegation. They delve into a draft peace plan's unfeasibility for Ukraine, emphasizing political impossibilities regarding territorial concessions. The duo also explores Trump's strategic motives towards Ukraine and questions whether Europe can step in to support Ukraine should US backing wane, alongside reflections on political dynamics affecting New York's mayor-elect.

Tira Schubart, a journalist focused on space and geopolitics, and Phil Tinline, a documentary maker and author, dive into the intriguing prospect of a clandestine US-Russia peace plan about Ukraine. They explore the possibility of leaks aimed at shifting blame onto Ukraine, discuss necessary security guarantees for the nation, and evaluate potential territorial concessions. The conversation shifts to the G20, addressing Trump's absence and the implications for global cultural dynamics, before wrapping up with insights on Europe's urgent need for independent space capabilities.

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Frost and David Brennan delve into Donald Trump's Gaza plan, examining its UN approval and the ambiguities surrounding the proposed Board of Peace. They also explore the potential risks of its implementation and the significant drop in international students applying to US universities, attributing it to recent visa restrictions and cultural concerns. Meanwhile, Portuguese artist Alexandre Fatto (Vils) shares insights about his site-specific installation 'Doors of Cairo' at the Pyramids, highlighting its artistic meaning and impact.

Patricia Cohen, a global economics correspondent for The New York Times, and Alexander Gerlach, a political philosophy professor at NYU, dive into Trump's surprising U-turn on releasing Epstein files. They discuss the motivations behind Trump's decision, its implications for the MAGA camp, and skepticism about potential redactions. The duo also analyzes the fractures within MAGA and the endurance of Trump's political persona amid scandals. Their conversation touches on the broader themes of accountability and public perception in the current political landscape.

Join Alexa Self, Monocle's foreign editor, H.J. Mai, Boston-based political reporter, and Nam Paramareva, Thai restaurateur, as they delve into pressing topics. They explore the recent U.S. government shutdown and its ramifications, alongside discussions on media literacy in Finland’s education system. Nam shares insights on her London restaurant Platapian, highlighting the rich regional influences behind her authentic Thai cuisine. This engaging conversation bridges politics and gastronomy, making for an enlightening listen!

Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor at The New Statesman, and Ash Badwaj, journalist and author, delve into Russia's surprising recruiting of over 200 Kenyans to fight in Ukraine. They discuss unorthodox recruitment tactics and the troubling narratives from captured recruits, revealing low morale and tragic consequences. Meanwhile, in a separate segment, Sebastian Bazin, CEO of Accor Hotels, shares insights from the Tourize Summit, exploring the Middle East's hospitality and tourism growth amidst global shifts.