The Monocle Daily

Join Erin O'Halloran, a historian and author, and John Everard, a former British ambassador, as they delve into the intricate dynamics of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. O'Halloran offers insights on why a lasting ceasefire seems elusive yet expresses cautious optimism for humanitarian relief. Everard critiques the political incentives behind Israel's negotiating strategy. The duo also navigates the political turbulence in France following another prime minister's resignation, discussing President Macron's challenging choices and the potential impact on his leadership.

Madis Khoury, a trailblazer as the Middle East's first female brewer and a representative of Taybeh Brewing Company, shares her family's inspiring journey in the West Bank. She discusses the brewery’s challenges under occupation, from settler attacks to water shortages. Madis highlights her collaboration with BrewGooder to expand in the UK and fund community projects. The conversation also delves into the importance of investing locally while maintaining hope for a peaceful future amidst ongoing adversity.

Tessa Shishkovitz, a UK correspondent focusing on British and European politics, and Kerry Brown, an expert on international affairs and China, discuss the recent arrests in Germany linked to alleged Hamas operations. They explore the motivations behind these actions and their implications. Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist, dives into her work on environmental crimes, revealing the psychological factors driving offenders. The conversation also touches on the rise of Gen-Z protests and a humorous look at urban dog culture.

Lynn O'Donnell, a former Kabul bureau chief for AFP, shares insights on the Taliban's recent internet blackout, explaining the political motives and consequences for everyday life in Afghanistan. Quentin Peel, an expert in international affairs, discusses Trump’s surprising desire to reclaim the Bagram airbase, evaluating its symbolic and strategic implications. The duo also delves into the EU's contentious debate over using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, raising complex legal and political questions.

Gorana Gerjic, a Monocle security correspondent, sheds light on Europe’s ‘drone wall’ initiative aimed at bolstering defense against Russian aggressions, highlighting alternative technologies like jamming. Emily Isawaho, a peace mediation expert, discusses the implications of digital IDs and contrasts Switzerland’s privacy-focused approach with the UK's risk of mandatory systems. Oliver Dixon adds a twist with insights on Emirates' luxury wine selection aboard, emphasizing the importance of wine training for cabin crew and the unique challenges of serving wine in-flight.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, shares insights on geopolitical tensions, while Jenny Mathers analyzes Moldova's resilience against Russian influence in its elections. John Lyons recounts personal stories from Ukraine, emphasizing grassroots resistance amid conflict. The discussion reveals Netanyahu's challenges in forming peace and the implications of China's new visa program targeting STEM graduates. A thought-provoking exploration of global politics and local dynamics unfolds!

H.J. Mai provides on-the-ground insights from the UN General Assembly, detailing the dramatic walkout during Benjamin Netanyahu's address and the implications for Israel's global relationships. Simon Bouvier dives into the controversial proposal for a wealth tax in France, discussing potential impacts on the economy and political landscape. Grace Charlton showcases trends from Monocle's latest issue, highlighting autumn fashion and standout luxury brands. Together, they explore pressing political and cultural dilemmas of the week.

Guests Carol Walker, a seasoned political commentator, Julie Norman, an expert on Palestine, and Evan Osnos, a New Yorker staff writer, dive into current international affairs. They explore Mahmoud Abbas's speech at the UN, discussing his decreasing legitimacy among Palestinians. The conversation shifts to the implications of the US revoking Palestinian visas, international recognition dynamics, and NATO's response to drone threats in Denmark. Osnos brings insights on the ultra-rich, revealing how wealth fosters detachment and the challenges in discussing taxation and cultural shifts.

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.

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.