The Monocle Daily

Vincent McAvinney, a seasoned journalist with a knack for political insight, joins Marion Messmer, a Senior Research Fellow in International Security, to examine urgent global issues. They dive into the tense U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, critiquing past strategies and the stakes involved. The conversation shifts to the UK's defense strategy amid rising threats, reflecting on the need for modernization. They also touch on political instability in Europe, particularly the Dutch coalition crisis, and engage in a light-hearted discussion about cultural attitudes towards child-friendly spaces.

Join Tom Rivers, a former ABC Radio London correspondent, and Rainbow Murray, a politics professor at Queen Mary University, as they dive into the latest in Ukraine-Russia peace talks. They discuss a recent prisoner swap amid stalled negotiations and the broader implications for Ukraine's sovereignty. The conversation also highlights the rise of populist sentiments in Europe, particularly in Poland's elections, where nationalist politics are reshaping the landscape. Together, they unpack the complexities of military strategies and the interplay of global influences.

Join James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor, and Michael Hewitt, a retired US Navy Rear Admiral, as they dive into the turbulent waters of US-China trade relations. They dissect the impact of Trump's tariffs and political moves, shedding light on how these factors create uncertainty in global markets. The discussion also covers the critical implications of the Shangri-La Dialogue, including shifting defense partnerships and the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, with a keen focus on Taiwan’s future.

William Patey, a seasoned diplomat and political consultant, joins Rachel Cunliffe, Senior Associate Editor of The New Statesman, to dissect Portugal's political landscape. They discuss the rise of the far-right Chega party and its ramifications for traditional politics in Europe. The conversation also dives into the humanitarian crisis in Sudan amidst ongoing civil unrest and highlights the backlash against Harvard's treatment of pro-Palestinian protests, reflecting on its impact on global education.

Justin Quirk, a sharp writer and editor, joins political journalist Marie Lecomte and former diplomat Nicola Kelly, who sheds light on the UK's complex asylum system. They discuss the pressing situation as 50,000 Russian troops gather near Ukraine and President Zelensky’s quest for peace amidst rising military tensions. The conversation also touches on the global implications of these dynamics, while Kelly shares insights into the experiences of asylum seekers and the urgent need for reform in the UK’s handling of refugee crises.

Philippe Marlier, a professor of politics, joins international correspondent Nina dos Santos and tourism leader Gloria Guevara to discuss Macron's diplomatic push in Southeast Asia. The trio explores France's strategic maneuvers to counter US tariffs while boosting alliances with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. They delve into the implications of Macron's efforts for international stability amid rising geopolitical tensions and highlight the importance of effective leadership in the evolving landscape of global tourism.

Yasmin Abdel-Majid, a Sudanese Australian broadcaster and author, and Ben Kelly, Senior audience editor at Newsweek, dive into pressing global issues and cultural dynamics. They discuss the shifting political landscape around Israel, examining the implications of international scrutiny and potential sanctions. The duo also tackles the intersection of AI in education and journalism, comparing Estonia's forward-thinking approach to challenges in the UK. Lastly, they explore the cultural significance of Sudanese tea and the art of aperitivo, highlighting the joy of social drinking.

Kirsten Seymour-James, a journalist from St Anthony's College, Oxford, formerly based in Islamabad, dives into the intense diplomatic rivalry between India and Pakistan. She discusses their competing narratives and recent diplomatic maneuvers across multiple continents. The conversation highlights the historical complexities of their relationship, particularly the Kashmir conflict and evolving geopolitical dynamics influenced by key players like the US and China. Listeners gain insights into how these factors shape the future of South Asia.

In this discussion, Russia analyst Stephen Diel and journalist Caroline Frost delve into Putin's first visit to Kursk since its claimed retake from Ukraine. They explore the complexities of political power, focusing on Putin’s military posturing amidst territorial claims. The conversation highlights the tension between leadership dynamics and public perception in such conflicts. Additionally, the guests touch on broader themes of nationalism and geopolitical strategies, making connections to energy diplomacy and the implications for international relations.

Guests Robin Brandt, a former BBC China correspondent, historian Alex von Tunzelman, and Simon Bouvier from Monocle delve into the evolving diplomatic relations between South Africa and the U.S. They discuss President Cyril Ramaphosa's golf diplomacy with Donald Trump and the underlying political tensions, including issues of legitimacy in leadership and misconceptions about violence in South Africa. The conversation also touches on the influence of diplomacy in non-traditional settings, like sports, and the complexities within their international relations.