

The Monocle Daily
Monocle
Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Sep 8, 2025 • 38min
Will Trump’s threats of further sanctions work on Putin?
Donald Trump threatens further sanctions on Russia following the latest strikes on Ukraine. Will Vladimir Putin listen? Plus: Keir Starmer is told to stop making mistakes, and we hear from Ahmed Shamali in Gaza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 5, 2025 • 46min
National Guard deployment continues a dramatic week in Washington
Donald Trump renames the US defence ministry to the Department of War. Plus: National Guard deployment continues in a busy week in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 4, 2025 • 32min
Live from the Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Barcelona
Monocle’s editors and producers join Tom Edwards and Ed Stocker to preview their most anticipated panellists at this year’s Quality of Life Conference in Barcelona.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 3, 2025 • 40min
How worried should we be about China’s fresh military arsenal? Plus: Japan’s abandoned suitcase problem
Marion Messmer, a Senior Research Fellow in International Security, and Robin Brandt, a former BBC presenter, dive into pressing global issues. They discuss China's recent military parade showcasing new weaponry and the potential implications for international security. The conversation shifts to Britain's defense strategies, particularly its new warship deal with Scandinavia. They also explore an intriguing cultural quirk in Japan, where travelers abandon luggage, sparking a lively debate about air travel frustrations.

Sep 2, 2025 • 36min
China’s hugely expensive military parade sets the tone for an ‘Axis of Upheaval’
Julie Norman, an Associate Professor of Politics, and James Rogers, an International Journalism expert, delve into China’s military parade and its implications for global geopolitics. They discuss the formation of an 'Axis of Convenience' with Russia and the potential US reactions. Norman shares insights on Gaza, highlighting mixed reactions to international activism, while both experts unpack why many avoid engaging with the news. Kieran Gaffney introduces his initiative Shanakea, focusing on the revival of Irish storytelling as a vital cultural practice for corporate and global engagement.

Sep 1, 2025 • 37min
Europe gets closer to firming up security guarantees for Ukraine. Plus: the growing global toy market
The EU continues to debate security guarantees for Ukraine if a peace deal is reached with Moscow. Then: we look at the state of press freedom in the US. Plus: baguette wars in France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 29, 2025 • 43min
Thailand’s PM is suspended by court
Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Monocle's senior correspondent, dives into the political chaos in Thailand with the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, linking it to a scandal involving a leaked call. He also explores evolving relations between China and Brazil amidst new trade dynamics. The podcast touches on fashion's changing landscape with new leadership at Maison Margiela and addresses the decline in young adult beer consumption in Europe, highlighting shifting nightlife behaviors and the impact of health trends.

Aug 28, 2025 • 38min
Russia’s UK ambassador summoned over deadly Kyiv strike
The international community reacts to Russia’s latest assault on Kyiv as Putin rejects the idea of European troops in Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27, 2025 • 41min
Why France and the Netherlands can’t get their political acts together
French and Dutch voters might get their wish for fresh parliamentary elections. But why are they so dissatisfied with the governments that they voted into office?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


