The Briefing

We’re in Lisbon with our foreign editor, Alexis Self, as Storm Charles brings widespread disruption to the capital. Then: Spain’s first strike in 14 years. Plus: the murky world of digital currency. And: Shanghai Art Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Gulf correspondent Inzamam Rashid, Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko and Russia analyst Stephen Dalziel share their perspectives on the Abu Dhabi talks between Ukraine and Russia. Plus: why Slovakia’s Robert Fico still courts Moscow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jensen Huang of Nvidia admits to an affair with someone that US intelligence considers to be a Chinese asset. So why hasn’t the US reacted more forcefully? And what does this say about competition in the tech industry? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Democrats win big in the midterms, will the US become a better friend of Europe – or a foe? Then: the geopolitics of port operations. Plus: Angola steps up its tourism and on-screen gay kisses get Brazil talking.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the midterms’ ‘blue tsunami’, is a reset in US-Israel relations coming? And what of the war in Iran? Plus: nationwide strikes in France. Then: Design Doha and ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We gauge reactions from markets, the Gulf and the wider world to the US midterms. Can Democratic control of Congress rein in Donald Trump – or will it provoke further conflict in the Middle East? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How deep into red states can Democrats go in the midterms? We hear from Ryan Williams in Washington and Kathie Obradovich in Iowa. Plus: a fridge-freezer attack across Europe. And: we meet Ayala Land CEO Meean Dy in Manila. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bart de Wever has resigned as Belgium’s debt rises and budget talks collapse. With many centrist European leaders in a similar position, will he be the first of many? Then: we head to Texas for an update on the midterm elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UAE and Saudi Arabia forge stronger ties and Oman proposes a regional security pact, we discuss how diplomacy might still bring peace to the Middle East. Then: Canada-EU relations enter a new chapter. Plus: Milan’s new Stadium Generali. And: what’s next for Eurovision?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss where Israel and the wider region are heading now that the final votes have been counted in Israel. Then: why are the US midterms capturing the world’s attention? Plus: Monocle in New Delhi and ‘The Global Countdown’.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Madrid with the latest as the death toll of a train collision rises. We discuss what happened and what questions it raises for rail safety. Plus: what next for Israel as no clear winner emerges from the election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Tel Aviv to assess the mood on the ground as millions turn out to vote in an election that could have global repercussions. Then: 50 stories celebrating 50 years of the National Theatre building in London. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a fourth term in office. While supporters celebrate, investor bets on a right-wing victory are upended. Plus: Serbia’s veteran leader Aleksandar Vučić ousted by the student movement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Globsec report argues that Europe won’t be ready to put new defence tech into action fast enough. We explore the solutions. Plus: entrepreneurship in New Delhi and Art Basel adjusts to more civil disruption in Paris.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European and Gulf countries sign new deals on defence and energy. We examine the ties forged in crisis. Then: Google’s data centre plans in Finland are put on ice. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Helsinki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has announced that it’s releasing detained American Stephen Hubbard. Is this another signal of a warming relationship? Then: Romania forms a government after a 6-month political deadlock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Albertans vote to remain, we look at the lasting impact of the campaign to leave Canada. Then: Volodymyr Zelensky and Steve Witkoff head to Oslo. What shape could talks take? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Paris as Emmanuel Macron asks some cities to impose partial curfews after a weekend of riots and looting. But what’s next as his interior minister says that the police “lost control”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Trump rebukes Ukraine’s attacks on a Russian oil refinery, we speak to a former Ukrainian ambassador about how negotiations have changed. Then: the UAE’s changing security landscape and Sumo at the London Film Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EU leaders gather in Brussels, hoping to find a way forward for the bloc’s next budget. Is there room for manoeuvre? Plus: Giorgia Meloni criticises Donald Trump’s Russia diesel deal and Frieze London opens to the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky meets UK prime minister Andy Burnham as Russia strikes critical infrastructure in Kyiv Plus: the future of fashion retail and why Ford is re-entering rallying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the latest global economic forecast and what it means for financial systems as the IMF warns of ‘resilience under strain’. Plus: commissioning contemporary art and the Paris Auto Show opens to the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle and Hitachi Energy host a series of exclusive events in New Delhi featuring our editors and invited experts. Then: what’s getting everyone revved up at the Paris Motor Show? Plus: The CEO of Dubai Airports explains how the Gulf can make it through an increasingly turbulent period.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Oslo as the Nobel Institute recognises the achievements of the former UN rights chief and ICJ judge who stood up against apartheid. Plus: Anthony Vaccarello leaves Saint Laurent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from our Gulf correspondent as explosions hit the Saudi capital. Then: Italy prime minister Giorgia Meloni secures final approval for electoral overhaul. And: the latest on protests in Paris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.