Antonio Sampaio

Tira Schubart, a journalist and Royal Astronomical Society fellow, teams up with Antonio Sampaio, an expert on Latin American politics, to discuss the implications of Washington's intervention in Venezuela. They delve into how this move has polarized the region and sparked concerns over border security, especially for Brazil amid rising migration. The conversation touches on the shifting dynamics with China and Russia and reflects on the potential risks to democratic norms in Latin America. They even explore whether art characters need to be 'good' to be likable.

David Phelan, Monocle tech correspondent, previews gadgets from luxury phones to smart glasses and Apple's MacBook Neo. Ruth Michelson, Middle East reporter in Istanbul, reviews Iran-related headlines and regional fallout. Chris Smith, Cambridge virologist, explains a UK meningitis surge and vaccine debates. Lesia Vasylenko, Ukrainian MP, outlines the new UK-Ukraine defence partnership and drone cooperation. Antonio Sampaio, Latin America security analyst, details Cuba's energy collapse and geopolitical stakes.

Tom Webb, Monocle editor who curates the magazine’s features, and Vincent McIverney, newspaper reviewer and political commentator, join Inzaman Rashid, Gulf correspondent reporting on US-Iran tensions, and Antonio Sampaio, Latin America security analyst on Mexico’s halt to oil shipments to Cuba. They unpack Mexico’s domestic and US pressure angles, the humanitarian fallout for Cuba, and the US military buildup and escalation risks with Iran.