The Monocle Daily
Weekday global news and analysis. A guest panel reviews Europe’s stories, tracks American developments, and welcomes Asia’s early risers. Reports from Monocle’s correspondents worldwide.
Latest Episodes
Leaders in crisis: A Keir Starmer inquiry and embattled Friedrich Merz
Keir Starmer’s days as PM might be numbered as MPs vote on an inquiry into his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Then: Friedrich Merz nears one year as German chancellor with historically low approval ratings. Plus: breaking news with Manus Cranny as the UAE leaves Opec.
King Charles, Jordan Bardella and our royal fascination
Our panel assesses King Charles III in Washington and Jordan Bardella’s love affair with a Sicilian princess. Plus: how Germany’s Bundeswehr plans to lead Europe’s military rearmament and ‘madman theory’ with James D Boys.
That’s a wrap: Our weekly quiz and a look back at Salone del Mobile
Emma Nelson takes on Rob Bound in the weekly quiz and Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton round up their week at Salone del Mobile. Plus: An alternative look at the recent news cycle.
The politics of economic shocks – which countries can weather the Iran conflict?
As more ships are seized in and around the Strait of Hormuz and an uneasy ceasefire continues, our panel assesses which countries are best equipped – politically and economically – to withstand the shocks that continue to reverberate around the world.
Has Iran gained the upper hand through negotiation (and memes)?
We explore US president Donald Trump’s ceasefire extension and how Iran has seemingly managed to control much of the narrative without even attending talks in Islamabad – and also through an extraordinary amount of memes.
Ukraine hopes for fresh EU loan and the race for the next UN secretary general
Hungary is poised to end its blockade of an EU loan for Ukraine while Sweden suggests that Russia is hiding its economic troubles. Plus: auditions for the next United Nations secretary general begin in New York. Then: an interview with Venetian chef Simon Piovesan.
Can Starmer stay the course?
After Keir Starmer pleads ignorance over Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting, how long can he survive as UK leader? We explore Europe’s changing democratic landscape. Plus: Horse-meat pies have become a menu staple in Auckland.
Our weekly quiz and a look ahead to Salone del Mobile
Rob Bound and Andrew Mueller quiz each other on this week’s headlines. Then: a design perspective on Donald Trump’s Jesus memes and what to see at the the world’s leading trade fair for furniture and interiors.
Macron and Starmer take the lead on securing the Strait of Hormuz: will they cut Trump out?
France and the UK are to convene a meeting of “non-belligerent” countries to discuss how best to police the vital waterway after the conflict. How will excluding the US play out? Plus: the push and pull of resetting Hungary-EU relations and the UK rejoins the Erasmus exchange scheme.
Israel and Lebanon face to face for the first time in decades
The first meeting between officials since 1993 but will diplomacy make a difference? We discuss what can be achieved as Lebanon and Israel agree to direct negotiations, while attacks between Hezbollah and Israel continue. Plus: Democrats want JD Vance to help oust Trump and Hungary’s Péter Magyar comes out swinging.
