The Monocle Daily

Latest Episodes:

Is the war in Iran creating a rift between Trump and Netanyahu? May 25, 2026

Show notes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly admitted he is losing sway over President Trump in how to handle the war in Iran. Then: the state of press freedom in the US and the domestic lives of entertainment icons.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has World Urban Forum delivered on its theme of ‘Housing The World’? May 22, 2026

Show notes

As the World Urban Forum comes to a close in Baku, we hear from Anacláudia Rossbach, the executive director of UN-Habitat, and Prasoon Kumar, architect and founder of Billion Bricks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why it’s up to Pakistan to keep US-Iran peace talks on track May 21, 2026

Show notes

As Pakistan increases its diplomatic engagement with Tehran and Washington, we assess whether the nation can end the war. Plus: we analyse whether Raúl Castro’s indictment could lead to conflict between the US and Cuba.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xi casts China as the world’s stable power: what does this mean for the international order? May 20, 2026

Show notes

Postwar international order is in flux as Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin and projects Beijing as the world’s stable power. Meanwhile, in Europe, Donald Trump announces the withdrawal of Nato troops, reportedly in response to Friedrich Merz’s criticisms. What will the effects be?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stakes of the Xi-Putin summit for Taiwan and Ukraine May 19, 2026

Show notes

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meet, pledging to support each other’s “core interests”. Then: Turkey looks to carve out a new role in the Middle East after the conflict in Iran. Plus: The rebellion against AI.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’ May 18, 2026

Show notes

Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’. Plus: As the UAE blames Iran for a drone strike, we look at scenarios for Gulf stability; and why the rivals for British prime minister are mooting rejoining the EU.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wry wrap of the week May 15, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Mueller and Rob Bound once again quiz each other over the events of the week. Then: our host delivers another zingy compilation of headlines that you might have missed. Plus: an interview with the Eurovision set designer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the US-Iran war is casting a shadow over the Brics foreign minister meeting in India May 14, 2026

Show notes

As Brics foreign ministers meet in India, the bloc faces divisions over the US-Iran war, rising energy prices and growing global economic uncertainty. Plus: are financial burdens bringing an end to expensive weddings and parties?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starmer stays resolute amid leadership challenge rumours and Trump returns to Beijing May 13, 2026

Show notes

Today’s panel discusses a busy day in Whitehall and peers into its crystal ball to predict the near future. Then: we assess what has changed since Donald Trump was last invited to China. Plus: how Australia nearly built a Trump Tower.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qatar hosts Gulf talks amid a ‘serious escalation’ threatening vital supply routes May 12, 2026

Show notes

Qatar moves to promote peace along with its neighbours in the Gulf during a tense moment in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: have astronauts seen UFOs in space?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected