Monocle on Saturday

Erin O’Halloran, a Cambridge historian and author of East of Empire, examines voter suppression, federal interference and the global stakes of the US midterms. They explore Canada and Europe’s emerging alliance, India’s strategic rise and vibrant publishing scene, plus how contested elections abroad could foreshadow challenges in America. A bittersweet look at chocolate’s decline rounds things out.

Simon Brooke, a British journalist and communications consultant, joins a lively discussion on why US midterm polls may mislead, how fabricated surveys can influence voters, and the demographics shaping Israel’s election. They also explore politicians’ relatability, France’s fiscal troubles, controversial historical landmarks and the irritations of noisy public transport. Plus, a tasting challenge from Lisbon’s world sommelier competition.

Tira Shubart, a journalist, foreign correspondent and Royal Astronomical Society fellow, joins a wide-ranging conversation on Trump’s Russia policy, Estonia’s high-tech border surveillance and the future of journalism in the age of AI. They also explore de Gaulle on screen, Brazilian perfume, women’s unpaid work and Perseverance’s search for ancient life on Mars.

Isabel Hilton and Emma Nelson discuss Donald Trump’s new diesel deal with Russia and US sanctions against the ICC. Plus: the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing winner on the power of African literature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zara Khan and Georgina Godwin discuss Turkey’s economy, Kashmir’s culinary traditions and more. Plus: The Bodleian’s Richard Ovenden on libraries in the digital age and The National’s Enas Refaei on preserving Abu Dhabi’s architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson and Hannah Lucinda Smith discuss diplomatic gifts, Mark Zuckerberg’s style transformation and the world’s oldest peace treaty. Plus: the best of South Tyrol at Monocle’s Zürich Autumn Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniella Peled and Emma Nelson discuss reporting on war crimes in Ukraine, the hidden cost of war in Sudan and more. Plus: why Dubai Museum matters to Emiratis and visitors alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin O’Halloran and Georgina Godwin discuss the Brics summit, Pakistan’s role in the Middle East and more. Plus: neuroscientist Dr Lotto on our view of conflict and designer Tina Charad on creating Hollywood’s visuals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist and historian Tessa Szyszkowitz explores the AfD’s electoral prospects in Germany, suspected Russian destabilization and Reform UK’s latest financial controversy. Art-fair entrepreneur Ryan Stanier introduces Fair Play, a new London fair designed around artists rather than galleries. Plus, curious Ig Nobel research, cockroach milk and a few travel mishaps.

The New Statesman’s culture editor, Tanjil Rashid, and Georgina Godwin discuss the AfD’s campaign against anti-German art, Rachel Cusk’s new novel and more. Plus: Janet DeNeefe on the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.