The Monocle Daily

Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House specializing in conflict, and political reporter Nadine Batchelor-Hunt dive into the Vatican conclave's role in global affairs. They discuss how the church might act as a peacemaker in conflicts that seem endless and explore the challenges it faces with modern social issues. They also critique media attention disparities in global crises, contrasting the spotlight on Ukraine with the overlooked plight in Sudan, highlighting the complexities of public perception in today's world.

This discussion features Bertrand Uschlick, a Senior Research Fellow focused on Middle East security, Gregory Scruggs, Monocle's Seattle correspondent, and Aaron Burnett from the Democratic Strategy Initiative Berlin. They delve into Friedrich Merz's political rise, exploring his narrow victory and the tensions within Germany's CDU. The conversation also touches on Mark Carney's intriguing interactions with Donald Trump, highlighting shifts in U.S.-Canada relations and the broader geopolitical landscape influenced by these meetings.

In this lively discussion, Aliona Hlivco, founder of St James Foreign Policy Group, and Quentin Peel, a regular contributor, tackle the weighty news of the day. They delve into the complexities of Israel's military strategies in Gaza and examine the political landscape in Germany amid rising far-right sentiments. The conversation also touches on the implications of cultural leaders' responsibilities discussed at the Abu Dhabi Culture Summit and the evolving role of museums to engage modern audiences.

Nick Paton Walsh, CNN's chief international security correspondent, joins Fiona O’Brien, UK Director at Reporters Without Borders, and Jessica Bridger, Monocle's contributing editor and urbanism consultant. They delve into the alarming decline in global press freedom, the dire challenges journalists face, particularly in Gaza, and how modern media is shaping indigenous communities in Brazil. The conversation shifts to the glamorous Chanel Cruise 2025/26 collection reveal in Lake Como, blending serious dialogue with a touch of luxury.

Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent and former CNN editor, joins Renard Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, to discuss a pivotal minerals deal between the US and Ukraine aimed at bolstering Kyiv's defense against Russia. They also delve into the implications of shifting US foreign policy and the challenges Ukraine faces in this new landscape. Additionally, they tackle France's proposal to limit screen time for children under six, raising concerns about technology's impact on play and social development.

Join political journalist Theo Usherwood and Cardiff University lecturer Marta Lorimer as they tackle pressing geopolitical issues. They discuss Europe’s dilemma in supporting Ukraine and the growing pressure on Russia, emphasizing President Zelensky's strong stance on Crimea. The conversation also uncovers the challenges of uniting European leaders for military backing. Additionally, they explore Germany's shifting political landscape under the Christian Democrats and the impact of populism on engaging younger voters.

In partnership with the University of Warwick, Monocle teamed up with the institution’s acclaimed academics to answer big questions submitted by readers. In this episode, Professor of Economics Caroline Elliott answers, ‘Why are luxury consumers attracted to exclusivity?’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina Fordham, a geopolitical strategist and founder of Fordham Global Foresight, teams up with John Everard, a former British ambassador to Belarus, Uruguay, and North Korea. They dive into Donald Trump's tumultuous first 100 days of his return to the presidency, unpacking his political strategies and the implications for international relations, particularly with North Korea and Russia. The discussion also turns to Mark Carney's election victory in Canada and its potential impact on Canadian-U.S. relations amidst a shifting global landscape.

Vincent McEvaney, a seasoned journalist and political commentator, joins Terry Stiasny, an insightful author and political journalist. They dive into the chaos caused by a massive power cut affecting Spain and Portugal, reflecting on the resilience of communities. The conversation also tackles the alarming rise in global military spending linked to geopolitical tensions and the shifting landscape of Canadian politics following Trudeau's resignation, influenced by external factors like Donald Trump's comments. Humor lightens discussions around quirky laws and running challenges.

The DRC and Rwanda look set to sign an agreement to foster a pathway to peace. Then: the final day of mourning for Pope Francis ahead of his funeral. Plus: Monocle’s new website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.