Monocle 24: The Globalist

Defence spending is top of the agenda as Nato leaders gather in Turkey. Plus: Marine Le Pen waits to find out if she can run for the French presidency. And: We take a closer look at Canada’s new submarine deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a US warning that Russia could target Poland as a provocation against Nato, Warsaw finds itself more central than ever to European security. But as Washington deepens military ties with Poland, the country’s relationship with Ukraine is becoming increasingly strained.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz unveils Germany’s biggest reform package in years. Is it enough to revive the economy, hold off the far-right and convince businesses to invest again? Plus: can Ukraine’s 40-day operation pressure the Kremlin to end the war?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has suggested Syria could play a role in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon. But does Damascus want to get involved? Plus: Portugal resumes train manufacturing and Australia turns to drones to stop shark attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss frustrations in Venezuela and the role of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Plus: An explosion in Monaco targets a Ukrainian oligarch; and our America 250 series looks at tipping points in US-UK history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa braces for shutdown after weeks of anti-migrant unrest. Plus: Nobel Foundation head Hanna Stjärne; planetary defences on Asteroid Day; and Thomas Chatterton Williams on Europe’s air-conditioning plight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands are still missing following two huge earthquakes in Venezuela. Then: will Israel ever withdraw from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza? Plus: Rome airport CEO warns of summer chaos, America at 250, and an interview with Robert De Niro on Nobu hotels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive rescue effort begins in Venezuela, where hundreds have died and thousands are missing. Then: Protests in Albania ramp up, Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026, urbanism news and a new Frida Kahlo exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine recovery talks amid a Warsaw-Kyiv diplomatic spat. Then: how to unravel decades of US sanctions on Iran? And: Monocle’s new Quality of Life Survey, and an exclusive new electric vehicle from Portugal’s Amble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After landmark EU-Taliban talks, questions remain over Afghan deportations from Europe. Plus: Voters in Bangkok prepare to choose their next governor, a flip through the papers and Romania’s deepening political deadlock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain marks 10 years of Brexit with fresh political uncertainty as Keir Starmer becomes the sixth prime minister to step down since. Plus: What’s next after US-Iran talks, a flip through the Swiss papers and music news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colombians have elected a new leader after one of the most divisive and violent campaigns in the country’s recent history. Plus: we examine Pakistan’s new position as a global mediator. And: we look ahead to the release of Monocle’s Quality of Life issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assess the results of a by-election in the UK that has implications for Britain’s future leadership and its relationship with the EU. Plus: why Kenya is compensating protest victims, design news and an Art Basel round-up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders and officials from across Southeast Asia join Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, in Kazan. Then: Chicago prepares for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Plus: MC Escher’s London retrospective, global UFO policies and the future of luxury concierge services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains and after meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, US president Trump said that Moscow should make a deal to end its war with Kyiv. Have European leaders finally got Trump on side? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Lebanon included in the new US-Iran deal and is Netanyahu on board? Plus: Mark Carney’s role at the G7 summit, a flick through the Paris papers and a preview of Art Basel 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the G7 summit kicks off today in Évian-les-Bains, we assess how France is shaping the agenda. Plus: we discuss the results of the immigration referendum in Switzerland and visit the Musée Yves Saint Laurent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France and Germany are reportedly weighing a major overhaul of the EU’s diplomatic service, including proposals to scale back powers from the European External Action Service and return them to member states and EU institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump threatens that Iran will ‘pay the price’ for drawing out negotiations. But as inflation in the US hits a three-year high, is it Americans who are paying more? Plus: countdown to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As France and Germany abandon plans for a next-generation fighter aircraft, we assess the possibilities for European governments to build a stronger defence industry. Plus: we join our design editor at the opening day of 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.