The Monocle Daily

Latest Episodes:

Has Germany lost its aversion to war? Aug 31, 2026

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As Chancellor Merz prepares to point the finger at Moscow for hybrid attacks in Leipzig, how has Germany’s foreign policy changed over the last few years? Plus: When does Japanese etiquette go too far?

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How brands can overcome prestige dilution and Monocle’s weekly quiz Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

We examine the steep decline of the loyalty scheme and spotlight two luxury brands that are bucking the trend. Plus: Andrew Mueller defends his title in the weekly quiz.

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John Ratcliffe’s in-person Moscow meeting: could it have been an email? Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

As Moscow confirms the director of the CIA’s not-so-clandestine visit, we discuss what was on the agenda. Then: The Butcher of Bosnia dies and Syria starts shopping. Plus: Should you consider hotel-first trips?

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Oman and Pakistan are rewriting the rules of mediation – will this help or hinder a US-Iran deal? Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Amid Oman’s negotiations with Iran, how is mediation changing? Then: Can a national crisis have a silver lining for soft power? Plus: Is Trump hoping to give 1968 a run for its money when it comes to the US convention?

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Will the West normalise relations with Syria? Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

The US has removed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism after 47 years. What will this actually mean in practice? Then: does the way political parties are funded affect democratic integrity? Plus: why is the Middle East investing in Europe’s leisure economy?

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The war of propaganda: how to read between the lines Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Guy de Launey and the panellists discuss how to understand the reality of a situation when two sparring countries are bloviating. Plus: is fishing the EU’s downfall? And: a book revealing the hidden characters of Cuba.

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Live from Zürich: How will the upgraded China trade deal affect Swiss business? Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Emma Nelson is joined by Erich Hoesli and Eveline Rosa to discuss the elimination of tariffs on almost all Swiss exports to China and whether learning a new language can AI-proof your career. Plus: Swiss trends in the travel and hospitality industry and Andrew Mueller’s ‘What We Learned’.

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How would the US pulling troops from the Gulf shift regional power dynamics? Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

The US is mulling a major troop pull-back from the Gulf – is this a victory for Iran? Then: What will Latin Americans give up for security? Plus: Monocle’s September issue has some useful life lessons.

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Is the Gordie Howe International Bridge a symbol of all that’s going wrong between the US and Canada? Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Are Trump’s tariff threats against Canada burning bridges with the US’s favourite neighbour? Then: Meta on trial, hardship bonuses for diplomats and does bigger mean better when it comes to airports?

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Press freedoms in Afghanistan on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban takeover Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

In August 2021, Taliban fighters took control of the presidential palace in Kabul and re-established control over the whole country. Five years on, we look at how media access and the freedom of expression continue to be eroded.

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