Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses King Abdullah II's White House visit against the backdrop of U.S.-Middle East tensions. Julia Lassica provides insight into rising geopolitical issues while Steve Tsang analyzes demographic shifts in China impacting society. They explore the implications of Donald Trump's Gaza proposals, evolving U.S. foreign policy towards Europe, and Ukraine's military recruitment challenges. The conversation is rich with analysis on diplomatic strategies and emerging global trends.

Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Monocle's Istanbul correspondent, sheds light on Ecuador's upcoming elections focused on combating crime and their potential fallout on political stability. She discusses the broader implications of U.S.-China trade tensions on international strategies. Ecuador's battle with drug violence highlights a need for regional cooperation over militarization. The conversation takes a cultural turn, exploring the impact of fashion on political expression and the intersection of global events, from Gaza to Santorini.

Richard Haydarian, an academic and columnist, provides insight into the impeachment of the Philippine vice president. Inga Thorda, a chief external relations officer, discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its global implications. Matt Wolfe, a theatre critic, shares commentary on recent performances and the challenges in transitioning from film to stage. They delve into critical issues like birthright citizenship and the political turmoil in the Philippines, blending cultural commentary with international affairs.

Heba Saleh, Cairo correspondent, shares insights on the backlash against Trump's Gaza plan and Egypt's role in this evolving crisis. Clotilde Goujar provides perspectives on Jordan's response and regional tensions. William Yang discusses Taiwan's military readiness amid rising threats from China, focusing on strategic deployments at Songshan Airport. Meanwhile, Alexei Korilov delves into Austria's political instability, and Tim Abrams reflects on Aga Khan's architectural legacy. Each guest provides a unique lens on urgent global issues.

Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Monocle's Istanbul correspondent, dives into Turkey's evolving role in Syria's reconstruction amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics. Yossi Mecklberg from Chatham House shares insights on the Palestinian struggle, focusing on the concept of perseverance. Rob Cameron, a journalist in Prague, discusses the challenges Czech media face due to rising populism, affecting impartiality and public confidence. The conversation spans critical topics like regional security and the intricate ties between politics and media in today’s landscape.

Melissa Hamilton, a law and criminal justice expert, discusses the legal implications of freezing US aid amid South Korea's political struggles. Charles Hacker analyzes the escalating US-China trade war and its global impacts. Ed Stocker highlights Venice's declining population and efforts to bring residents back, while Karen Krasanovich reviews standout films from Sundance. Lastly, Carol Phillips shares insights into her novel and reflects on the experiences of the Windrush generation, weaving together themes of identity and migration.

In this engaging discussion, Julie Norman, a Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East Programme at the Royal United Services Institute, and security analyst Maria Avdiva provide sharp insights into recent geopolitics. They analyze Netanyahu's pivotal meeting with Trump and its implications for the Middle East, alongside the ongoing strategic battle for Pokrovsk in Ukraine. The duo also highlights the evolving dynamics of support from Europe amidst rising tensions, illustrating the intricate web of international relations at play.

Ruth Michelson, Monocle's Middle East expert, discusses Ahmed al-Sharaa's new role as Syria's transitional president and the challenges he faces. Ronan Lee shares insights on Myanmar's junta and its impending elections, painting a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Claudine Fry adds depth with her analysis of global news, spotlighting tensions in Rwanda and South Africa's military involvement. The conversation also touches on societal shifts and the cultural events at the Sundance Film Festival, offering a rich tapestry of current affairs.

Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent, sheds light on the recent departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, analyzing the quest for sovereignty and the shift towards alliances with Russia. Meanwhile, Zoe Grunabald, Westminster editor, discusses political developments including RFK Jr.'s hearings and Friedrich Merz's alliance with the AFD. The conversation reveals how these geopolitical shifts impact regional stability, as well as broader global political trends and their implications for both European and American dynamics.

Lars Bevanger, Monocle's Oslo correspondent, reports live from the Arctic Frontiers Conference, shedding light on geopolitics and sustainable development challenges in the region. Nina Los Santos, broadcast international correspondent, discusses the implications of Donald Trump’s funding freeze. Jonathan Evans from Pew Research reveals insights from a survey on religious nationalism, exploring its impact across 36 countries. The conversation also touches on Thailand's tourism crisis due to pollution and the intersection of democracy and religion in global politics.