The Monocle Daily

The Monocle Daily team broadcast live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit. Tonight we ask: can foreign news organisations flourish in the UAE’s media landscape? Is there a future for the old-school news anchor and if so, what does it look like?

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The Monocle Daily team broadcasts live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit, taking the temperature of the region’s largest media gathering.

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Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon head to Washington for talks unlikely to produce a result. Then: Can Hungary’s fresh start be a blueprint for Europe? Plus: Monocle at the Arab Media Summit and would you buy a dupe design?

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Pyongyang boasts of new powers after Saturday's missile launches. Then: Is Rubio playing the right game; is Trump the “smart president” who can save us from AI; and could department-store sales hold hope for humanity?

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Monocle’s Tyler Brûlé, Anita Riotta and Chris Cermak reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11. Plus: the Japanese-American artist, Miya Ando, who designed London’s September 11 memorial.

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Ukraine hits the Russian Arctic in the deepest strike of the war to date. Then: Bayeux Tapestry mania in London and the escalator dilemma in South Korea. And: a preview of Konfekt’s Autumn issue.

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What would happen if South Korea joined the war against Iran? Then: why are so many Republicans a no-show at Trump’s new convention? And: how closely should we listen to AI whistleblowers?

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Israel angry as the UK, France and Canada ban imports from West Bank settlements. Then: Odesa considers prohibiting the Russian language in the arts. And: How could a ban on lying in politics be enforced?

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As the AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt, how strong is Germany’s firewall against the far right? Then: Is the US concerned about Europe’s space agenda? And: How can a country bounce back after record tourist complaints?

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The Italian prime minister has beaten Silvio Berlusconi’s record to lead the country’s longest-serving postwar government. We look at what the recipe of her success has been and how this achievement might inspire other far-right parties in Europe.

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What can be done to stop Russia meddling in European elections? Then: France and the UK boost their historic ties. And: South Korea unveils plans for a second presidential office and a new national assembly in Sejong.

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As strikes resume, we discuss whether the Iran war could stretch on forever. Then: are democratic socialists going to ruin US capitalism? Could a new secretary-general rebrand the UN? And what the hell is an “aura battle”?

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As Vladimir Putin tells Iran it has Moscow’s support, what is he saying to Washington? Then: is the UAE trying to make itself indispensable around the world? Plus: has the price of gold made museum heists less sophisticated?

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As Chancellor Merz prepares to point the finger at Moscow for hybrid attacks in Leipzig, how has Germany’s foreign policy changed over the last few years? Plus: When does Japanese etiquette go too far?

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We examine the steep decline of the loyalty scheme and spotlight two luxury brands that are bucking the trend. Plus: Andrew Mueller defends his title in the weekly quiz.

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As Moscow confirms the director of the CIA’s not-so-clandestine visit, we discuss what was on the agenda. Then: The Butcher of Bosnia dies and Syria starts shopping. Plus: Should you consider hotel-first trips?

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Amid Oman’s negotiations with Iran, how is mediation changing? Then: Can a national crisis have a silver lining for soft power? Plus: Is Trump hoping to give 1968 a run for its money when it comes to the US convention?

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The US has removed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism after 47 years. What will this actually mean in practice? Then: does the way political parties are funded affect democratic integrity? Plus: why is the Middle East investing in Europe’s leisure economy?

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Guy de Launey and the panellists discuss how to understand the reality of a situation when two sparring countries are bloviating. Plus: is fishing the EU’s downfall? And: a book revealing the hidden characters of Cuba.

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Emma Nelson is joined by Erich Hoesli and Eveline Rosa to discuss the elimination of tariffs on almost all Swiss exports to China and whether learning a new language can AI-proof your career. Plus: Swiss trends in the travel and hospitality industry and Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’.

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The US is mulling a major troop pull-back from the Gulf – is this a victory for Iran? Then: What will Latin Americans give up for security? Plus: Monocle’s September issue has some useful life lessons. 

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Are Trump’s tariff threats against Canada burning bridges with the US’s favourite neighbour? Then: Meta on trial, hardship bonuses for diplomats and does bigger mean better when it comes to airports?

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In August 2021, Taliban fighters took control of the presidential palace in Kabul and re-established control over the whole country. Five years on, we look at how media access and the freedom of expression continue to be eroded. 

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China is a budding superpower but the US and UK still dominate global university charts, even those by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. We hear from economist Guy Standing, plus our panel of Alex von Tunzelmann and Mark Earls weigh in on why autocrats still send their kids to Harvard.

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Robert Bound returns to defend his ‘The Daily Weekly Quiz’ title. We head to the Gulf, North Korea and Australia for tips on how to beat the heat. Plus: stuck at home in August? Book recommendations that will whisk you away. 

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China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are increasingly co-operating militarily. How steadfast is this alliance and should it worry the West? Plus: Germany’s ‘spy revolution’, Karoline Leavitt leaves and the pros and cons of Unesco’s World Heritage List. 

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Ukraine halts strikes on Russia’s tankers as per JD Vance’s request. Then: Donald Trump’s catering van controversy, French journalists go to war with AI and we get down to “Swissness”. 

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Sea Legend shipping company is launching the first regular container service along Russia’s northern Arctic coast. Then: the World Bank helps Lebanon with its digital transformation. And: France says ‘non’ to unsolicited telemarketing calls.

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Rejected by Israel and left out by Oman: is Donald Trump losing influence in the Middle East? Then: plans to change the French parliament spark outrage. And: would you wear air-conditioned clothing?  

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We examine the significance for the region and the world at the announcement of a new Middle East security deal. Then: our weekly quiz, chairs to make the neighbours jealous and ‘What We Learned’.

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Russia, China and the US are teaming up for global law enforcement. Then: the left’s media machine, London’s pigeon war and we settle the debate over packing light versus packing heavy once and for all. 

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As the Democratic Party redefines itself, Tira Shubart and Phil Tinline explore what lessons European centre-left parties are taking from the US. Plus: who is responsible for protecting the lunar environment?

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As Taiwan tests how the public responds to limited internet connectivity, Mark Leonard and Aliona Hlivco look into how to prepare a society to function when it’s suddenly offline. Plus: Brazilian designer Duda Lopes.

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Iran’s foreign ministry is discussing a new Strait of Hormuz shipping route with Oman. Julie Norman and Mark Earls explore Oman’s soft-power influence. Plus: what makes residents spend a weekend in their own city?

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Our weekly quiz dives into Anthony Fauci’s diary and public nuisances in Singapore. Then: as Europeans drive off on their holidays, our Monocle contributors give you their recommendations for the best food, tunes and etiquette while on the road. 

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Inga Thordar and Alexander Görlach on Iceland’s looming EU referendum and why the organisation is popular again. Plus: an aerial-firefighting CEO and shortcuts to a happier summer from our ‘Med, Mountains & More’ newspaper.

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Thomas Waterhouse joins us from Lacanau, where French water bombers are refilling from a nearby lake to fight the fires. Our panel of Ash Bhardwaj and Zoë Grünewald assess the fallout for tourism and politics.

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Antônio Sampaio and Marion Messmer discuss Argentine president  Javier Milei’s direct intervention in Brazil’s elections, endorsing Flávio Bolsonaro and calling President Lula a “convict” and “delinquent”. Has it become the norm for politicians to intervene across borders?

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Regional conflicts in Ukraine and Iran intersect as Kyiv hits a ship from Tehran in the Caspian Sea. Could the wars become global? Then: Can we learn from political leaders’ sartorial decisions – or are we too buttoned up?

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Tira Shubart and Andrew Mueller discuss the plans to reflect the sun’s rays in a way to capitalise on solar energy. What could possibly go wrong for life on Earth? Plus: a light round-up of the week’s events.

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Charles Hecker and Patti Cohen on the effects of Yemen’s Houthis on global shipping, how much the Iran war will cost the US, whether Pakistan will get compensated for mediation and how fresh EU sanctions impact Russia.

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Hannah Lucinda Smith and Erin O’Halloran assess the global impact of a US agreement to build out Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy programme. Plus: why Japan’s prime minister was pleased to get five hours of sleep over the weekend. And Guy De Launey reports on a Balkan conspiracy. 

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Andy Burnham’s cabinet sit down for their first meeting: what can we learn from their early policy positions? Then: why is the French far right bucking the tech-bro trend and shunning Elon Musk? Plus: Chengdu’s West Village.

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Alex von Tunzelmann and Justin Quirk on the chances of Andy Burnham succeeding where Sir Keir Starmer could not. Plus: Farnborough International Airshow opens and an interview with Jack Watling, author of new book Statecraft.

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Monocle writer Julia Jenne looks at the consequences of the cabinet reshuffle in Kyiv and why Vladimir Putin’s popularity is dropping in Russia. Then: Andrew Mueller and Robert Bound test each other’s news knowledge in our weekly quiz. And: we hear from Italo disco revivalists Mind Enterprises. 

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The Ukrainian president’s decision to dismiss popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked anger. Then: Ten years after a failed coup, what’s next for Turkey? And: China bans chatbots built for companionship.

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Iran and the US are back in conflict. Daniella Peled and Ash Bhardwaj discuss who (else) can bring an end to the war with Iran if the IRGC and the Trump administration fail to cease hostilities. 

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France offered a show of military force and European unity during Emmanuel Macron’s last Bastille Day parade. Is there such a thing as a good display of military might? Our panel, including Michael Binyon and Elisabeth Braw, discuss.

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Negah Angha and John Everard on the US and Iran’s failure to give diplomacy a chance. Then: Japan aims to centralise intelligence and French parents bring kids to work. Plus: Sally Hayden’s book This Is Also a Love Story.

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We look inside the Fifa International Police Co-operation Center, which brings together the law enforcement agencies of every competing country to share intelligence. 

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The burial of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei is now set to go ahead after delays due to US strikes. Then: India and Australia reach a uranium deal, Nigel Farage meets a bin-worthy opponent and should shorts in the office be banned? 

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US president Donald Trump has ordered a halt to trade with Spain, the only Nato member that hasn’t committed to the alliance’s new target of defence spending at 5 per cent of GDP. 

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All eyes are on Estonia at the Nato conference in Ankara as the Baltic nation looks to spend more than €10bn euros on defense over the next three years.

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Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, is poised to announce who will supply the Royal Canadian Navy’s new submarine fleet – what it could mean if they buy within Nato and draw closer to Europe? Plus: Casio watches rebound.

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We speak with Catherine Ellis in Venezuela and Charlotte McDonald-Gibson in Washington about the politicised celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence. Plus: Madonna’s new album and Canada joins Eurovision.

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Germany’s AfD prepares for its annual political conference, as France’s Marine Le Pen waits for a court ruling on her presidential candidacy. Then: Why visit the Bayeux Tapestry in London when you could have gone in France?

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Our panel looks at the successes and failures of anti-corruption drives in Iraq and Hungary. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on the announcement that Canada is joining Eurovision.

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The UK government published its long-delayed defence spending plans, investing £270bn (€313bn) over the next four years. Plus: yet more conflicting narratives from Iran and the US. And: from scoring goals to corking bottles, Brazilian footballer Neymar turns his hand to winemaking.

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Andy Burnham makes the case for greater devolution if he becomes Britain’s next prime minister. Then: Tensions flare between Afghanistan and Pakistan. And: South Korea invests big in chipmaking and AI. 

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We look at the best the Danish capital has to offer with Monocle’s Michael Booth as our most liveable cities list is released. Plus: we meet leading Australian choreographer Stephanie Lake. And: Fernando Augusto Pacheco talks Angèle, Italo Disco and bikinis. 

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Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Andreas Carlson, Pia Sandvik and Seppo Aaltonen to discuss the day’s big stories.

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Ukraine strikes put Putin under pressure – but who could mediate peace talks? Then: President vs PM in Czechia, heated debates in France and our Quality of Life Survey 2026. Plus: Andrew Mueller live from Sweden’s Almedalen.

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Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Karin Karlsbro, Henrik Jönsson and Elly Reinolds to discuss the day’s big stories.

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Andy Burnham looks likely to be the next prime minister of the UK but what will happen if nothing changes under his leadership? Then: JD Vance walks a tightrope. Plus: Remembering Alan Greenspan.

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Georgina Godwin speaks to former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about how Europe views Brexit 10 years on. Plus: Monocle staff share their World Cup hopes and fears. Is it coming home to England? Will Brazil add a record sixth star to its jersey? Can New Zealand find some glory? 

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Ukraine’s president calls the overnight strikes on Moscow a totally just response to Russia’s recent attacks as senior EU officials hold calls with the Kremlin. Then: the US defense secretary scorns Nato allies. And: as the US blockade holds fast, we look at Cuba’s new economic reforms.

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On the final day of the G7 summit in France, the US president says that the peace memorandum agreed with Iran is “not final”. Then: Germany and Poland sign a new defence deal. And why are Japanese ice-cream makers in hot water?

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Ukraine’s president attends the G7 summit, with the US promising to get Russia to discuss peace. Then: why some global banks are raising interest rates. And: we examine India’s bolts and braces approach to exam security.

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Our panel assesses the US-Iran deal and whether Lebanon is a part of it. Plus: the G7 debates tariffs; London launches an anti-‘lies’ campaign; and the T-Rex leather bag that failed to sell. Then: Peter S Canellos’s new book.

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We head to the New York Stock Exchange, where SpaceX has just completed the world’s largest-ever IPO. Then: Grace Charlton and Nic Monisse bring us coverage from Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design. Plus: the ‘Konfekt’team teaches us the art of generous hosting and we pay homage to David Hockney.

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Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine officially outlasts the First World War. Then: as riots burn through Belfast, the British far-right fans the flames. Plus: the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City. Who’s bringing home the trophy?

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The US president warns Iran that it will be ‘hit hard again’ after the two sides exchanged fresh strikes. Then: how effective will Europe’s new Russia sanctions be? And: are tourists being ripped off this holiday season?

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World Cup embarrassment before kick-off with visas blocked, a referee barred and tickets unsold with prices unaffordable for many. Then: are French workers really away from their desks as much as we think? And: we look at Prada’s new undergarments for Nasa astronauts.

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Iran and Israel agree to halt strikes after exchanging fire for the first time since April. Then: we look at what Armenia’s parliamentary election tells us about its ties to Russia. Plus: will a lawsuit disrupt Trump’s birthday party? And: why are Kanye West’s concerts still so popular?  

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With just days until kick-off, we look at how Canada is hoping to build a World Cup tourism legacy. Then: we speak to the Ukrainian NGO Superhumans, which helps injured soldiers and civilians. And: our weekly quiz with Rob Bound.

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Hezbollah rejects a new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as the US House seeks to stop the Iran war in a vote called ‘unpatriotic’ by Donald Trump. Plus: Albanians take to the streets in anger at plans for a new luxury resort. And: what strange items do Uber customers leave in its vehicles?

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Ukraine targets St Petersburg ahead of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s key economic forum. Then: UK police apologise for handcuffing a dying teenager as PM Keir Starmer condemns angry rioters. Plus: what do the US primaries tell us about what to expect in the mid-terms?

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Massive Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities stoke fears that civilian targets will be the new normal. Then: AI fates diverge as some giants plan blockbuster IPOs and others battle lawsuits. Plus: is creativity coming back to Hollywood with ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’?

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As civilians in southern Beirut prepare to leave, we consider the potential effects of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then: is Europe getting tougher on Russia’s shadow fleet? Plus: why are French and British football fans celebrating by rioting? And: would you fall for a holiday gimmick? 

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Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he intends to take 70 per cent of Gaza as the IDF increases strikes on Lebanon. Plus: the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Colombia’s Sunday elections and AI enters Tribeca Festival. 

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We discuss how successful a US invasion of Cuba might be. Then: can Tony Blair save the UK Labour Party? Plus: should tap water be free in Italy and what makes a designer eligible for the Monocle Design Awards? 

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What does Russia expanding its hybrid war fronts tell us about the state of the conflict? Then: Can the West tackle corruption in its politics? And: Global tourism trends venture off the beaten track in 2026.

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US president Donald Trump wants to make more Middle Eastern countries sign the Abraham Accords as part of a peace agreement – but would it actually make a difference? Then: The French presidential race hots up.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly admitted he is losing sway over President Trump in how to handle the war in Iran. Then: the state of press freedom in the US and the domestic lives of entertainment icons.

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As the World Urban Forum comes to a close in Baku, we hear from Anacláudia Rossbach, the executive director of UN-Habitat, and Prasoon Kumar, architect and founder of Billion Bricks.

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As Pakistan increases its diplomatic engagement with Tehran and Washington, we assess whether the nation can end the war. Plus: we analyse whether Raúl Castro’s indictment could lead to conflict between the US and Cuba.

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Postwar international order is in flux as Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin and projects Beijing as the world’s stable power. Meanwhile, in Europe, Donald Trump announces the withdrawal of Nato troops, reportedly in response to Friedrich Merz’s criticisms. What will the effects be?

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Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meet, pledging to support each other’s “core interests”. Then: Turkey looks to carve out a new role in the Middle East after the conflict in Iran. Plus: The rebellion against AI.

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Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’. Plus: As the UAE blames Iran for a drone strike, we look at scenarios for Gulf stability; and why the rivals for British prime minister are mooting rejoining the EU.

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Andrew Mueller and Rob Bound once again quiz each other over the events of the week. Then: our host delivers another zingy compilation of headlines that you might have missed. Plus: an interview with the Eurovision set designer. 

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As Brics foreign ministers meet in India, the bloc faces divisions over the US-Iran war, rising energy prices and growing global economic uncertainty. Plus: are financial burdens bringing an end to expensive weddings and parties?

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Today’s panel discusses a busy day in Whitehall and peers into its crystal ball to predict the near future. Then: we assess what has changed since Donald Trump was last invited to China. Plus: how Australia nearly built a Trump Tower.

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Qatar moves to promote peace along with its neighbours in the Gulf during a tense moment in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: have astronauts seen UFOs in space?

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We assess Europe’s reaction to Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder should act as a mediator in Ukraine war peace talks. Then: are conspiracy theories more powerful than satire in modern America? Plus: fake influencers and John Robb’s new book, ‘Punk Rock Ruined My Life’.

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We explore whether early controversies over this year’s Venice Biennale have eclipsed the art with our culture editor, Sophie Monaghan-Coombs. Plus: Russia’s Victory Day parade and our weekly Friday quiz.

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Could Lebanon pose an obstacle to a regional peace deal at a time when the world is waiting for Iran’s response to a US proposal to end the war.

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We look back on the life of Ted Turner, founder of CNN, with former network host Fionnuala Sweeney. Then: our panel of Quentin Peel and Armida van Rij assesses Germany’s Friedrich Merz one year into his chancellorship.

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Our panellists Isabel Hilton and Somnath Batabyal discuss how Iran, Ukraine and even Hezbollah are using drones to frustrate much larger armed forces. Also: why are the US and China firing all their generals?

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Robin Lustig and Alex von Tunzelmann discuss the American troop drawdown in Germany and Mark Carney joining a summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan. Plus: Joe Luc Barnes’s book, ‘Farewell to Russia’

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