Simone Bouvier, Monocle's Paris bureau chief, dissects the chaotic political scene in France following a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, comments on the politicization of justice in the U.S. Dan Ruff, CEO of Belmond, shares insights on the luxury travel market's shift towards 'slow luxury,' emphasizing culture and authenticity. The discussion highlights the political unrest in Europe and its implications on global economic stability.

In this episode, Natasha Lindstad, a Government Professor at the University of Essex, analyzes the geopolitical ramifications of NATO's recent summit amid South Korea's martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Meanwhile, Jayap Kwak, Monocle's Seoul correspondent, provides firsthand insights into the political crisis on the ground. Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Accor, discusses the evolving luxury travel market, while Steve Crawshaw offers perspective on shifting international political landscapes and pressing human rights issues.

Simone Bouvier, Monocle's Paris bureau chief, offers an insider's view on the crisis facing Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government amid a no-confidence vote over the contentious budget. Navina Kotor discusses Joe Biden's strategic visit to Angola, highlighting its impact on U.S.-Africa relations and countering China's influence. Meanwhile, Emma Nelson brings insights from the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, revealing exciting trends in personalized luxury travel and how the industry is adapting to new consumer preferences.

In this discussion, Daniela Pellett sheds light on the turbulent situation in Aleppo, revealing how external politics complicate the Syrian conflict. Adrian Keratnitsky shares insights about Ukraine’s potential NATO involvement and evolving public perspectives. Phil Clark analyzes the worldwide political landscape, including Iceland's recent election upheaval. Meanwhile, economist Vicky Price delves into the challenges facing global trade and the impending holiday season, including the whimsical shortage of Santas in France.

Alessio Patalano, a King's College London professor specializing in Asian defense, unpacks Taiwan's strategic move to defy Beijing with President Lai Ching-te's Pacific tour. Oleksiy Honchorenko, a Ukrainian MP, sheds light on the challenges of faulty artillery shells affecting Ukraine's war effort. Nina Dos Santos discusses the controversial assisted dying bill in the UK, while Sally Gethin analyzes Etihad's ambitious expansion in aviation. The conversation navigates geopolitical tensions, legislative debates, and the ever-evolving airline industry.

Dr. Ronan Lee, an expert on Myanmar's Rohingya crisis, Yossi Mecklenburg from Chatham House, and Andrew Tuck, editor of Monocle, dive deep into the intricate alliance between Iran and Russia. They discuss the strategic implications of this partnership, especially for the Ukraine conflict. The conversation shifts to the International Criminal Court's actions against Myanmar's military junta. Additionally, they touch on the evolving dynamics of the Hezbollah-Israel conflict and exciting developments like Greenland's new international airport.

Nimrod Goran, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and expert on Israeli affairs, joins Rob Harris, Europe correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald, for a fascinating discussion. They dive into the tense beef dispute between Brazil and France, unraveling the economic implications of Brazil's boycott against Carrefour. Additionally, Goran shares insights on a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the complexities and cautious optimism surrounding this fragile peace.

Aisha Siddiqua, a Senior fellow at King's College, discusses the explosive protests in Islamabad demanding the release of former PM Imran Khan, addressing the political turmoil and military influence in Pakistan. Guy Delaunay sheds light on Italy's controversial asylum deal with Albania and its implications for the Italian government. Zoe Grunwald analyzes Donald Trump's proposed tariffs and their potential economic impact. Meanwhile, Joshua Kuchera provides on-ground insights into the protests following Georgia's parliamentary elections.

Bruno Kaufman, Global Democracy correspondent, dives into Romania's political landscape, unpacking recent election results amid a pandemic-influenced voter sentiment. Juliet Linley brings Swiss cultural insights while Benedict Brown spotlights fashion trends, revealing a shift towards men's shapewear and minimalist designs. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom discusses the alarming escalation in Ukraine and the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring how international relations are being reshaped by recent military developments.

Hannah McCarthy, a Beirut-based foreign correspondent, discusses the impact of the ICC's arrest warrant for Netanyahu and its implications for the Israel-Gaza conflict. Maya Sharma provides insights into Modi's historic visit to Guyana, emphasizing strengthening diplomatic ties. Charles Hecker reviews international news trends, while Sheena Rossiter updates on the challenging final day of COP29 in Baku, focusing on climate finance negotiations and urgent demands from developing nations. The conversation highlights critical global political developments.