The Monocle Daily

Ben Kelly, a Newsweek senior audience editor known for sharp political commentary, and Daniela Pellett, managing editor at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting and Ukraine specialist, debate wartime voting logistics, legality and legitimacy. They weigh external pressure, Russian interference and political calculations. They also discuss Netanyahu-Trump dynamics and media fallout from a high-profile athlete interview.

Phil Tinline, journalist and author of Ghosts of Iron Mountain, on government strain and his 'Power Failure' report. Marion Messmer, Chatham House security director, on space security and arms control. They debate Starmer's political staying power. They probe nuclear-test risks, rising espionage in Europe and surveillance concerns abroad.

John Everard, former UK ambassador with deep diplomatic experience, and Patricia Cohen, NYT global economics correspondent, unpack Zelensky’s $12tn US–Russia claim and its possible motives. They also contrast Asian political shifts from Japan’s elections to Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong sentencing. Short, sharp conversations on geopolitics, markets and rule-of-law pressures.

Lily Austin, cineaste and cultural commentator, and Chris Chermak, winter-sports commentator, join H.J. Mai, Washington-based international affairs reporter. They unpack the US-led Critical Minerals Ministerial and its geopolitical stakes. Then they shift to winter-sports cinema, trading favorite films from Cool Runnings to Eddie the Eagle in quick, lively recommendations.

Evika Selina, Latvia’s prime minister, on European security, Ukraine and Nordic-Baltic coordination. Elizabeth Braw, Atlantic Council analyst and author, on shifting globalisation and defence economics. James Rogers, international journalism professor, on the fate of foreign bureaus and media’s role. They discuss Washington Post cuts, Europe’s tech and trade choices, and the risks around arms control.

Dai Fujikura, composer discussing his Hokusai-inspired opera The Great Wave. Quentin Peel, journalist covering international politics and European affairs. Bertrand Oschelich, Middle East security analyst at RUSI. They tackle the Abu Dhabi Ukraine–Russia–US talks, Gulf diplomacy and the UAE as a diplomatic hub, Iran’s negotiating posture and regional security, plus musical choices behind a Hokusai opera.

Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential diplomatic adviser, on mediation and regional de‑escalation. Justin Quirk, writer and culture commentator, on political optics and social trends. Terry Stiasny, political journalist, on UK defence, trade-offs and political fallout. They discuss the UK’s push to join Europe’s defence fund, negotiation dynamics, transatlantic messaging, and the UAE’s diplomatic role.

Simon Brook, journalist and communications consultant offering international affairs analysis. Negar Anger, former US State Department and NSC adviser now a geopolitics fellow. They discuss rising US‑Iran tensions and opening communication channels. Military postures, diplomatic aims and Europe’s options come up. They also touch on summit diplomacy, political theatre, and the possible role of AI in foreign policy.

Nick Manese, Monocle design editor, walks through the Monocle Townhouse and its hospitality concept. Grace Charlton, associate editor for design and fashion, highlights menswear trends and styling tips. Ed Stocker, Europe editor at large, explains Spain's bold migration regularisation and the political fallout. Julia Jen, Ukraine expert, reports on ceasefire claims, attacks on infrastructure and mediation efforts.

Charles Hecker, RUSI analyst on Middle East and Russia, and Lynn O'Donnell, Foreign Policy writer on Iraq and Syria, discuss Nouri al-Maliki's reemergence and its strain on US-Iraq ties. They weigh risks of US disengagement boosting Iran, Russia's motives in Syria, and pragmatic moves by regional leaders. Short, sharp geopolitical analysis across Iraq, Syria and international leverage.