The Monocle Daily

Join political commentator Carol Walker and geopolitical expert Alexander Gerlach as they delve into Mark Carney's pivotal visit to Beijing, highlighting economic motivations and the balancing act Western leaders face with China. The duo addresses the implications of an FBI raid on a US journalist, raising concerns about press freedom. They also dissect the modest economic growth in the UK and Europe, while critiquing the effectiveness of populist messaging. Plus, a lighthearted discussion on the retirement of themed aircraft liveries wraps up an engaging conversation!

Patti Cohen, a seasoned global economics correspondent at the New York Times, and Phil Tinline, an insightful journalist and author, discuss the escalating tension between the US and Iran as Trump reiterates military threats. They analyze the implications of targeted strikes versus nation-building, exploring the risks of toppling leadership in Iran. The duo debates whether US intervention would genuinely support Iranian protesters or inadvertently strengthen the regime. They also touch on geopolitical nuances concerning Greenland and the delicate balance within NATO.

Georgia Scaturo, a London-based reporter on European politics, and Stephen Diel, a knowledgeable Russia analyst, dive into the complexities of engaging with Russia amidst its intensified bombardment of Ukraine. They discuss the delicate balance Europe must strike between sanctions and energy needs, highlighting leaders like Macron and Meloni. The duo also explores the implications of the recent EU-Mercosur trade deal and the shifting dynamics of US influence in Latin America, all while raising concerns about the broader geopolitical landscape.

In this discussion, political expert Julie Norman explores the risks of U.S. military action in Iran, emphasizing the potential costs for protesters. Yossi Mecklberg adds insight into Iran’s possible retaliation tactics, including Gulf disruptions and strikes on Israel. They analyze non-military options for Washington, such as cyberattacks and strategic partnerships. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of protectionism, trade realignments, and the implications of a potential EU-India free trade agreement, all while considering the historical dynamics of the region.

Oscar Guardiola Rivera, a professor of international law and affairs, analyzes the potential threats of US military intervention in Colombia, discussing the implications for regional geopolitics. Julia Jen, a military expert, provides insights into the Oreshnik hypersonic missile used by Russia in Ukraine and the civilian impacts of ongoing conflicts. Deborah Honig from Samsung explores decision fatigue and AI’s role in enhancing user experience. Plus, Andrew Muller delivers a humorous news roundup, touching on global tensions and diplomatic dialogues.

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.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and expert on international affairs, joins Philippe Marlier, a professor of European politics, to discuss Trump's provocative threats against Greenland. They analyze Europe's alarm over these moves and the implications for NATO. The conversation also dives into China's concerns regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela and its broader diplomatic stakes in the region. They further explore the complexities of electoral politics in Europe, from Italy's reforms to the shortcomings of the UK's first-past-the-post system, all while touching on South Korea's new public health initiatives against baldness.

In this discussion, Daniela Pellett, Managing Editor at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, analyzes Iran's recent protests and the implications of U.S. intervention. Robin Lustig, veteran journalist, debates the unpredictability of Trump's motives and the potential impact of U.S. foreign actions. Technology author Dan Wong contrasts the engineering approaches of the U.S. and China, shedding light on infrastructure advancements. The panel also critiques Germany's migration policy and questions if disaster recovery is becoming a privilege for the wealthy.

Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent and former CNN Europe editor, joins Michael Bunyan, a foreign affairs specialist, to dissect the international response to the US's actions against Venezuela. They delve into the legal debates surrounding the operation and explore US motives, including economic interests linked to the petrodollar. The conversation also touches on Maduro's media strategy, Cuba's influence, and potential regional fallout. They shift gears to discuss Ukraine's diplomatic sphere and the ripple effects on global politics.

Mark Gagliotti, a political analyst specializing in Russian military history, breaks down Putin's recent press conference and the implications of Ukraine's drone strike on a Russian tanker. Marisa Masria-Katz, an arts journalist, shares how community sleuthing led to the identification of the Brown University shooter, highlighting the role of social media in uncovering the truth. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, a cultural commentator, discusses the significance of the UK's Christmas number one single race, featuring Kylie Minogue and a charity contender.