The Monocle Daily

Brazil scraps the six-day workweek, BMW pulls a car offer from a far-right politician and Cyprus’s stalled Schengen bid. Plus: would you live rent-free in the Arctic? And: São Paulo’s Pulso Hotels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lufthansa wins the fight for Tap, Ukraine’s access to Starlink is curbed and the Houthis strike Aramco’s HQ in Saudi Arabia. Plus: Frieze Masters and a 1930 kidnapping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from Paris: Alexandre Kouchner and Florence Biedermann discuss the freezer fiasco and protests. Will French politicians be able to agree on a 2027 budget? Plus: Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficilli on branching out into sailing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from the Paris Auto Show: We speak with the CEO of Dacia and the chief designer of Zeekr. We also get the perspective of the US and from auto analyst and expert Felipe Munoz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special design and fashion edition of ‘The Monocle Daily’. Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss Paris Fashion Week during protests, Salone del Mobile 2027, improving our architectural diets and next week’s episode of ‘Monocle on Design’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Houthis warning Saudi Arabia to stay away from oil facilities, we consider how the Kingdom will respond. Plus: the Arctic Circle Assembly begins. Who gets to share in the new theatre of global competition? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aliona Hlivco and Charles Hecker join to discuss why the Paris school protests have expanded beyond France. Then: Russia strikes a Ukraine apartment block on Vladimir Putin’s birthday. Plus: AI turns on tech creators. And: do important people have worse manners? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Israel expected to close the British consulate in Jerusalem, we explore why Britain is determined to keep its diplomatic foothold in the region. Plus: Would you date in saunas? What Finns understand about communal spaces that the world has forgotten. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil heads to a runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro. Then: protests in Spain, France and Pakistan – do they work? Plus: should pets be allowed to fly in the cabin? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Bound joins ‘The Monocle Daily’ Weekly Quiz. We head to São Paulo as Brazilians prepare to head to the polls. Plus: Argentina launches a new citizenship scheme and we’re off to Paris for the very best of fashion week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Iran and the US trade peace proposals, we examine realistic diplomatic paths forward. Then: the looming Bosnian and Brazilian elections. Plus: don’t tread on my love life – governments get involved in matchmaking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a pilot was stabbed and a plane emergency landed, we get the view from Tel Aviv. Then: has the Iran war’s unpopularity given Tehran sway in US politics? Plus: amid a global museum boom, we visit some of our favourites. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Andy Burnham gives his first Labour conference speech as UK leader, will his politics of hope strike a chord or ring hollow? Then: Tucker Carlson sits down with Andrew Tuck in Abu Dhabi. Plus: The beauty of complaining. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UK investigates an incident near an RAF base that’s used by the US military and the EU discusses incorporating a Nato-style defence pact, Andrew Mueller asks his guests about the hidden risks of alliances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Switzerland prepares to vote on enforcing its neutral status, Benno Zogg from the Swiss Federal Department of Defence explains what this would mean for security. Plus: will Rob Bound actually win the weekly quiz this time? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carole Walker and Anand Menon discuss Donald Trump’s threat to ban diesel exports. Plus: Australia’s OpenAI hack and the best places to retire. And: a preview of our new podcast, Konfekt Conversations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will paralysing Iran’s airports help Washington? Then: Donald Trump calls Cuba a “failed state” and Bordeaux residents get a say in how their city’s money is spent. And: a novel way for bookworms to fall in love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US president addresses the UN General Assembly amid a row over press freedom. Then: France responds to fuel protests and Seoul’s mayor pushes for more green city spaces. And: Do you feel younger than your actual age? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders of the world flock to New York for the 81st edition of the United Nations General Assembly. Then: are US sanctions any more effective, or ethical, than military might? Plus: mayors of the world gather to swap urbanism tips. And: which hotel lobbies are best for lobbying? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russians go to the polls across three days to elect a new State Duma. Then: The Michelin Keys list 2026, Burberry’s trench coat at the V&A and What We Learned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.