The Monocle Daily

We get an update on a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan to end a decades-long conflict before we turn to Germany’s historic agreement on defence spending, a wrap-up of Mipim, the joys of department stores and the pitfalls of artificial lakes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vladimir Putin agrees in principle to a Ukraine ceasefire. We speak with Charles Hecker about how the US will respond. Then: panellists John Everard and Carole Walker discuss what Russia wants, how to fight a tariff war and whether restaurants should rate their customers. Plus: our weekly letter is from Hong Kong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the US, will Russia follow suit? Also in the programme: the EU’s plan to send rejected asylum seekers to deportation centres in non-EU countries and what to expect from France’s new TGV M high-speed trains. Plus, Andrew Mueller’s “On This Day” looks back on the naming of Canberra. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leila Molana-Allen and Robin Brant consider how country allegiances have shifted in this uncertain era of geopolitics, covering everything from Gaza and Ukraine talks to this week’s Russia-China-Iran military exercises to a new trade partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam. Plus: the lone violin maker of Ramallah See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Carney has come out swinging against Donald Trump since being elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party – will the aggressive approach work? Our panellists Nina dos Santos and Caroline Frost discuss the tone of politics, and whether Romania is right to ban a Russia-friendly candidate. Plus: Midnight Moment, the Times Square secret you’ve never heard of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from Andrew Thompson following Donald Trump’s decision to delay tariffs on many products from Mexico. Also in the programme, Grace Charlton provides highlights from Paris Fashion Week and Nic Monisse on the life of the late architect Ricardo Scofidio. Then: Kate Hutchinson discusses the soft power of the royals as King Charles III announces a new show on Apple Music. Then: Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marion Messmer and Daniella Peled on the EU’s plans for firming up Ukraine, a “coalition of the willing” and an extended nuclear umbrella. Then: Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Hamas; Syria gives up chemical weapons; and why Swiss palace police aren’t allowed chairs. Plus: a letter from Damascus by Hannah Lucinda Smith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panellists Andrew Tuck and Julie Norman discuss Germany and Europe’s plan to rearm and where Europe should save money instead. Then: the lost art of decorum in politics and Congress; how to clean up our cities; and who you would pay the most money to have dinner with. Plus: Peter Sparding’s book, ‘No Better Friend? The United States and Germany Since 1945’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign affairs minister, joins Lynne O’Donnell and Josh Fehnert to discuss how US soft power will transform under Donald Trump. Then: how the media should cover shifting geopolitical dynamics. Plus: the Cairo summit and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new book hits stands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tessa Szyszkowitz and Robin Lustig join us in Midori House to assess the past 72 hours as Keir Starmer takes centre stage and Donald Trump continues his row with Volodymyr Zelensky. What happens next? Plus, Austria’s three-party government takes office and we ask: are shorter books a boon? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this all in-house edition of ‘The Monocle Daily’, we’ll hear from our editors about what tools European countries will use to arm themselves as the US retreats from the continent, the vibrant and outrageous ‘Leigh Bowery!’ hits the Tate Modern and ‘Konfekt’ makes the case for the resurgence of pearls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new US budget resolution passed by House Republicans looks to cut a whopping $2trn in national spending. Patricia Cohen of ‘The New York Times’ and Monocle regular Vincent McAviney join to discuss what’s on the chopping block. Then: the effect of new train services on European living. Plus: hit that note, then catch that plane! Japan sees its first airport karaoke booth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest as Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky get close to signing a minerals deal between their respective nations – is the US’s unconventional diplomatic stance working? Also in the programme: as South Korea’s birth rate rises for the first time in almost a decade, we ask whether government incentives are a sustainable fix for this worsening global issue? Plus: Switzerland is rethinking its military service rules for dual citizens and a cinema in India is sued by a filmgoer over the length of pre-film advertising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As France’s Emmanuel Macron and the UK’s Keir Starmer visit the White House this week, we unpack how European leaders will approach Trump when it comes to Ukraine and other defence issues. Also in the programme: we assess the future of Russia and China’s relationship as relations between Washington and Moscow warm. Then: as Rio de Janeiro’s carnival kicks off this week, why is it so important for qualified journalists and experts to cover such events? Plus: Elon Musk’s micromanagement of US federal agencies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union of Germany has won the majority in the country’s elections. What does this mean for the nation’s future? And how significant is the AfD’s surge in popularity? Also on the programme: as the war in Ukraine reaches the three-year mark, we look at how the EU is continuing to pressure Russia with fresh sanctions. Then: we examine the reasons behind an uptick in post-Brexit Irish citizenship applications from Britain. Plus: a new app in the US allows you to hire personalised bodyguards at the touch of a button. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Monocle’s Middle East correspondent, Leila Molana-Allen, to discuss the shocking hostage revelation in Israel and unpack Arab leaders’ alternative plan for Gaza. Also in the programme: former German MEP Reinhard Bütikofer on Germany’s responsibility for Europe’s defence. Then: as the James Bond franchise is sold to Amazon, we discuss the character’s future as a soft-power figure. Plus: Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests Vincent McAviney and Isabel Hilton explore how countries are reacting to the US and Ukraine’s shifting allegiances. Then: a look at whether soft power still exists as a concept; the merits of prescribing comedy to tackle mental health; and whether men are more romantic than women. Plus: an interview with Nato’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, General Chris Badia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Emmanuel Macron hosts another meeting on Ukraine, we ask why some European countries are frustrated that they weren’t invited to the first. Also on the programme: according to a new poll, Donald Trump’s disapproval ratings have spiked. We unpack why his lack of action on the economy is to blame for this. Then: a new study shows that left-wing activists in the UK are less likely to work with their political rivals than other groups. Plus: why people should start dressing up to go out again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Russia and US peace talks on Ukraine in Riyadh draw to a close for now. With Zelensky disappointed by the lack of an invitation, is this exactly where Putin wants to be? Also in the programme: we get the latest as the Sudanese civil war nears the two-year mark and we discuss Spain’s positive economic figures attributed to migration. Plus: New Zealand’s controversial travel ad campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US and Russia begin negotiations over the war in Ukraine, we ask whether Donald Trump’s diplomacy is ushering in a more transactional world. Plus: the latest from the Middle East as Egypt draws up a reconstruction plan for Gaza; Javier Milei is accused of fraud over the promotion of his cryptocurrency; and a resort town in Portugal warns visitors to cover up or face a fine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.