Monocle on Sunday The week in focus and the view from the Gulf of Thailand
Mar 22, 2026
Hannah Lucinda-Smith, a journalist and former Istanbul correspondent, offers on-the-ground reporting on Turkey and regional politics. David Schlesinger, ex-Reuters exec, analyzes China, AI and Asian travels. Alex von Tunzelmann, historian and broadcaster, brings historical and cultural perspective. Tyler Brûlé, editorial director reporting from the Gulf of Thailand, paints a seaside lifestyle and travel picture. They discuss lifestyle trends, political shifts, AI and media culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Celebrating Death As A Sign Of Norm Collapse
- Public celebration of a rival's death marks further erosion of political norms and civility.
- Alex cites Donald Trump's social post saying 'Good. I'm glad he's dead' as an escalation in norm-smashing.
History Shows Rebuilding After Rupture
- History suggests cycles of destruction and rebuilding; democratic norms can return but in different forms after disruptive eras.
- Alex argues historians will observe patterns and eventual reconstruction following current ruptures.
China As The Stable Alternative In Asia
- For many in Asia China now appears as a predictable, dependable global power offering stability over surprise.
- David Schlesinger calls China 'the great wargame test' whose interpretation reveals one's media and political lens.