The Monocle Daily

Monocle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 36min

How will Nato react to Russia violating Polish airspace?

Should Nato take a tougher stance on Russia following its violation of Polish airspace? Then: the state of US-Israel ties after the latter’s attack on Qatar. Plus: is FM radio still important?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 42min

Israel carries out targeted strike on Hamas leaders in Doha

Leila Molana-Allen, a regular Middle East correspondent for Monocle, and Michael Binion, a foreign affairs specialist for The Times, dive into the geopolitical implications of Israel's targeted strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar. They unravel the complexities of these actions amidst rising tensions and discuss Qatar’s role as a mediator. The conversation also segues into France's political turmoil following a no-confidence vote that ousted a key Prime Minister, examining President Macron's challenges and potential impacts on domestic stability.

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