The price of inaction: Syria and what happens when we do nothing

The Foreign Desk on Monocle 24: Intervention is often a last resort but can doing nothing make things worse? When the US, the UK and France decided last week to launch airstrikes in Syria reactions were predictably divided. But has the idea that we shouldn’t intervene in other countries’ problems actually made them worse?

Monocle 24 Radio
The Foreign Desk 30 min listen

‘If you’re in politics for the right reason there’s no way you’re letting somebody run away with money that doesn’t belong to them. We are very vigilant now.’

– Valérie Plante, mayor, Montréal

Magazine 5 min read

Forward motion: Audi x Monocle

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The Monocle Minute

Golden age

Historically the rich have always outlived the poor but the wealthy expect to live longer than ever – 100 years to be exact. More than half of people with investable assets of more than $1m (€814,000) imagine they will live for a century, according to a global survey by UBS. However, the desire to retain a high quality of life amid high-living costs and rising medical bills is a significant anxiety for tomorrow’s centenarians. They are willing to put the work in to afford it, believing that staying in jobs beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 will keep them in better shape. What is the price of an extra decade of able-bodied living? About half of your wealth, according to those surveyed around the world.

1 min read

Featured podcasts and chapters

Rachel Reichert and Byron Folwell

James Castle was a self-taught American artist working in mostly found materials until his death in 1977. But his work is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to the repurposing of his former home in Boise, Idaho, as a cultural centre and museum space. Two of the minds driving the project, Rachel Reichert and Byron Folwell, tell us why James Castle’s work is still revealing itself in new ways.

The Monocle Weekly 459 9 min listen

Robert Harris

The author of numerous bestsellers, including ‘Fatherland’, ‘The Fear Index’ and ‘An Officer and a Spy’, sits down with Robert Bound to talk about his new novel ‘Munich’, as well as themes ranging from ancient Rome to contemporary politics and why it’s difficult to write political fiction in the modern world.

The Big Interview 82 30 min listen

‘Fare’

We speak to Ben Mervis, editor in chief of ‘Fare’ magazine, an exploration of the food scene of a different city every issue.

The Stack 295 8 min listen

The recipe of the week

Food writer Skye McAlpine’s advice for perfect tiramisu.

The Menu 340 2 min listen

On air now

The Atlantic Shift

The Atlantic Shift plays a selection of the finest music from all over the world, handpicked for you by Monocle's editorial team. From Williamsburg to São Paulo, spend your day tuned to Monocle 24.

Up next: The Monocle Culture Show

Latest Podcasts

Monday 23 April

We discuss the ways in which French president Emmanuel Macron is trying to establish himself on the world stage and look at what Australia’s banking commission has revealed about the country’s financial services. Plus: Monocle’s brand-new guide to Beirut and why tourism is booming in the Balkans.

The Briefing 30 min listen

Monday 23 April

We assess Emmanuel Macron’s relationship with Donald Trump ahead of a state visit to Washington and get the latest on Italy’s failing attempts to create a government, as the battleground moves to a tiny state in the south. Plus: a flip through the Monday papers.

The Globalist 1 hour listen

Private capital and a sustainable world

This week: the fruits of a remarkable partnership between institutional investors, development banks and wealth managers in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth. We focus on the creation of new indices that aim to create reliable benchmarks that can measure the creation of long-term value. Our panel will remind us why collaboration is crucial and why the latest developments promise to deliver truly win-win scenarios.

The Bulletin with UBS 15 min listen

Tom Oldham, Joseph Cook, Rachel Reichert and Byron Folwell

Microbiologist Dr Joseph Cook explains why his work studying ice sheets is becoming more urgent than ever – and why he’s now setting it to music with composer Hannah Peel. Plus, we welcome back London photographer Tom Oldham to discuss his new project ‘The Last of the Crooners’ and learn about why the house of long-departed outsider artist James Castle is still revealing new secrets in Idaho.

The Monocle Weekly 1 hour listen

Latest Films

Monocle preview: May issue, 2018

The May issue of Monocle is (neatly) packed with inspiring features, including our Design Top 50, an interview with New Zealand's open-minded PM and a special focus on property. Want to live better? This isn't a bad place to start.Available at The Monocle Shop

1 min video

Barcelona: The Monocle Travel Guide

The Catalan capital boasts a singular character. Venturing beyond the tourist-beaten track, join us on a cinematic tour of fairytale architecture and independent retailers, as well as the innovative restaurants bringing a modern touch to Catalan cuisine. Available now at The Monocle Shop.Available now at The Monocle Shop.

2 min video

Officer class: Poland's military university

Monocle Films visits Poland's land forces academy, which is nurturing the next generation of officers to fuel its expanding defence forces.

4 min video

Monocle – The Salone Weekly

Our latest adventure in ink and paper is focused on Milan's Salone del Mobile. We discover the new creations – and the people behind them – that are making an appearance this year, as well as the big names. From insider industry news to the best places to sip your negroni, the Salone Weekly is your perfect companion.Pick up your copy from the best newsstands in Milan.

1 min video

Latest issue

Issue 113 ∙ May 2018

Design special. Inside: on the road with Kiwi prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Plus, does Duolingo work? We quiz the team.

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Previous issues

Issue 112 ∙ April 2018

Fashion and retail special. Big interviews: Indonesia’s president, Apple’s retail maven and Germany’s cult fashion brand.

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Issue 111 ∙ March 2018

South Korea special. Exclusive: President Moon on Donald, Kim Jong-un and watching TV with his cat.

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Free to read in this issue

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The price of inaction: Syria and what happens when we do nothing

Paris retail: La Grande Epicerie

Forward motion: Audi x Monocle

Golden age

The Quality of Life Conference

Monocle annual subscription

The Monocle Café

Rimowa cabin multiwheel

Featured podcasts and chapters

Rachel Reichert and Byron Folwell

Robert Harris

‘Fare’

The recipe of the week

On air now

The Atlantic Shift

Latest Podcasts

Monday 23 April

Monday 23 April

Private capital and a sustainable world

Tom Oldham, Joseph Cook, Rachel Reichert and Byron Folwell

Latest Films

Monocle preview: May issue, 2018

Barcelona: The Monocle Travel Guide

Officer class: Poland's military university

Monocle – The Salone Weekly

Latest issue

Issue 113 ∙ May 2018

Previous issues

Issue 112 ∙ April 2018

Issue 111 ∙ March 2018

Free to read in this issue

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Monocle travel guide Munich

A Kind of Guise x Monocle Blazer

A Kind of Guise x Monocle Merino sweater

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The Monocle Minute

Monday 23 April 2018

The Bulletin with UBS

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