The Monocle Daily

Why the first Duma elections since the outbreak of the Ukraine war matter to Russia

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.

Live from the Arab Media Summit 2026: Is there a future for the old-school news anchor?

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.

• Transcript

Live from the Arab Media Summit 2026

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.

What’s preventing progress when it comes to Israel negotiations?

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.

Do North Korean rockets and threats have new implications for South Korea and the US?

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.

Reflections on the September 11 anniversary, from London to New York

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 strikes deep into the Russian Arctic’s gas heartland

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.

Warned by Iran and pressured by the US: South Korea’s Strait of Hormuz dilemma

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.

Backlash from Israel as the UK, France and Canada ban imports from West Bank settlements

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.

Is Germany’s far-right firewall about to crumble?

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.

What does Giorgia Meloni’s milestone mean for Europe’s far-right?

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.

Will Russian interference derail Europe’s future elections?

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.

Has the US found a way to beat Iran at its own game?

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.

Putin the puppeteer and, the art of being helpful

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.

Has Germany lost its aversion to war?

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.

How brands can overcome prestige dilution and Monocle’s weekly quiz

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.

John Ratcliffe’s in-person Moscow meeting: could it have been an email?

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.

Oman and Pakistan are rewriting the rules of mediation – will this help or hinder a US-Iran deal?

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.

Will the West normalise relations with Syria?

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.

The war of propaganda: how to read between the lines

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.