The Briefing

Ed Pryor of the Norwegian Refugee Council provides a harrowing account of life for Palestinians, detailing settler violence and severe displacement in the West Bank. Anita Riello analyzes Zoran Mamdani's impressive rise in the NYC mayoral race and his unique appeal to voters. Viola Yao shares insights on Art Taipei's theme celebrating cultural diversity, while Josh Fenert and Alexa Self discuss the highlights from Monocle's November issue, touching on longevity, creativity, and European politics.

In this discussion, Simon Bouvier, Monocle's Paris bureau chief and cultural policy expert, shares insights on how government instability affects the vibrant backdrop of Art Basel in Paris. Journalist Florence Biedemann dives into the implications of Macron’s postponed pension reform, revealing its potential impact on France’s political landscape. Together, they explore the intersection of art and politics, reflecting on how current tensions overshadow the art scene and the challenges of coalition-building in French governance.

Sophie Monaghan-Coombs, the Associate Editor for Culture at Monocle, shares her expert insights from Art Basel Paris. She discusses the event's unique atmosphere at the Grand Palais and highlights standout works from renowned artists like Laura Owens and Peter Saul. Sophie also details exciting satellite exhibitions and museum shows, including Bridget Riley at Musée d'Orsay. Additionally, she explores the significance of Grace Wales Bonner's recent appointment at Hermès and the cultural impact of this collaboration.

Fernando Augusto Pacheco, a senior correspondent with deep insights on Latin America, and Tyler Brûlé, Monocle's editorial director, dive into the challenges facing Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. They explore her historic election, the fragile coalition she leads, and the urgent need to address economic issues like inflation and wages. Shifting to Latin America, Pacheco sheds light on Bolivia’s political shift and Argentina's electoral landscape, while Brûlé shares updates on Paris's vibrant art scene amidst political turmoil.

China’s communist elites map out a political strategy to boost the nation’s ailing economy. Then: the latest following a daylight robbery of precious jewels from the Louvre. Plus: a round-up of this year's Frieze London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navina Couture, a Nairobi correspondent for Monocle, shares poignant insights from Raila Odinga's state funeral, highlighting his pivotal role in Kenya's democracy and the public's emotional response. She discusses Odinga's political legacy and potential successors in the upcoming 2027 elections. Fashion director Natalie Theodosi contributes with updates on major leadership changes in the industry, the anticipated sale of Armani after Giorgio Armani's passing, and a glimpse into Prada's innovative installation at Frieze London.

Benoit Foucault, a Middle East correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, shares insights on the complex dynamics in Gaza. He discusses Hamas's increased control following the Israeli withdrawal and examines their strength against rival militias. The conversation delves into whether Hamas would agree to disarmament during peace talks, and the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts in the region. Foucault also highlights the potential for renewed conflict and the implications of U.S. support for Israel.

Chris Chermak, Senior News Editor at Monocle and former Washington correspondent, dives into the intricate world of international finance. He sheds light on President Trump's surprising proposal to bail out Argentina during IMF meetings, and his ties with Javier Milei. Chermak discusses how Trump's moves could overshadow the IMF's traditional influence and affect global economic forecasts amid rising tariff tensions and US-China relations. The conversation unveils the nuanced dynamics of international diplomacy during this pivotal financial gathering.

Martin Fackler, a seasoned journalist and author focused on Japan, shares insights live from Tokyo. He dives into his sabbatical project on the Fukushima disaster, highlighting the importance of perspective in storytelling. The conversation shifts to Japan's political landscape, exploring the potential for Sanae Takaichi as prime minister amidst rising right-wing sentiments. They also reflect on the Osaka Expo's significance, showcasing Japan's evolution towards soft power and global diplomacy, marking a transformative period for the nation.

In this insightful discussion, Alexis Self, the Foreign Editor at Monocle, shares his expertise on the recent dynamics in Israel and Gaza. He deciphers the significance of Trump's address to the Knesset and the unusual praise he received. Alexis debates whether the ceasefire signals the end of conflict or merely a pause. He also outlines the urgent needs of Gaza and the international community's role in reconstruction. Additionally, they touch on the implications of Portugal's local elections, highlighting the shift toward the center-right.