The Monocle Daily

Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Karin Karlsbro, Henrik Jönsson and Elly Reinolds to discuss the day’s big stories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Burnham looks likely to be the next prime minister of the UK but what will happen if nothing changes under his leadership? Then: JD Vance walks a tightrope. Plus: Remembering Alan Greenspan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgina Godwin speaks to former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about how Europe views Brexit 10 years on. Plus: Monocle staff share their World Cup hopes and fears. Is it coming home to England? Will Brazil add a record sixth star to its jersey? Can New Zealand find some glory?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine’s president calls the overnight strikes on Moscow a totally just response to Russia’s recent attacks as senior EU officials hold calls with the Kremlin. Then: the US defense secretary scorns Nato allies. And: as the US blockade holds fast, we look at Cuba’s new economic reforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final day of the G7 summit in France, the US president says that the peace memorandum agreed with Iran is “not final”. Then: Germany and Poland sign a new defence deal. And why are Japanese ice-cream makers in hot water? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine’s president attends the G7 summit, with the US promising to get Russia to discuss peace. Then: why some global banks are raising interest rates. And: we examine India’s bolts and braces approach to exam security. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our panel assesses the US-Iran deal and whether Lebanon is a part of it. Plus: the G7 debates tariffs; London launches an anti-‘lies’ campaign; and the T-Rex leather bag that failed to sell. Then: Peter S Canellos’s new book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We head to the New York Stock Exchange, where SpaceX has just completed the world’s largest-ever IPO. Then: Grace Charlton and Nic Monisse bring us coverage from Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design. Plus: the ‘Konfekt’ team teaches us the art of generous hosting and we pay homage to David Hockney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine officially outlasts the First World War. Then: as riots burn through Belfast, the British far-right fans the flames. Plus: the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City. Who’s bringing home the trophy? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US president warns Iran that it will be ‘hit hard again’ after the two sides exchanged fresh strikes. Then: how effective will Europe’s new Russia sanctions be? And: are tourists being ripped off this holiday season? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Cup embarrassment before kick-off with visas blocked, a referee barred and tickets unsold with prices unaffordable for many. Then: are French workers really away from their desks as much as we think? And: we look at Prada’s new undergarments for Nasa astronauts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran and Israel agree to halt strikes after exchanging fire for the first time since April. Then: we look at what Armenia’s parliamentary election tells us about its ties to Russia. Plus: will a lawsuit disrupt Trump’s birthday party? And: why are Kanye West’s concerts still so popular?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just days until kick-off, we look at how Canada is hoping to build a World Cup tourism legacy. Then: we speak to the Ukrainian NGO Superhumans, which helps injured soldiers and civilians. And: our weekly quiz with Rob Bound. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hezbollah rejects a new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as the US House seeks to stop the Iran war in a vote called ‘unpatriotic’ by Donald Trump. Plus: Albanians take to the streets in anger at plans for a new luxury resort. And: what strange items do Uber customers leave in its vehicles? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine targets St Petersburg ahead of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s key economic forum. Then: UK police apologise for handcuffing a dying teenager as PM Keir Starmer condemns angry rioters. Plus: what do the US primaries tell us about what to expect in the mid-terms? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massive Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities stoke fears that civilian targets will be the new normal. Then: AI fates diverge as some giants plan blockbuster IPOs and others battle lawsuits. Plus: is creativity coming back to Hollywood with ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As civilians in southern Beirut prepare to leave, we consider the potential effects of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then: is Europe getting tougher on Russia’s shadow fleet? Plus: why are French and British football fans celebrating by rioting? And: would you fall for a holiday gimmick?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he intends to take 70 per cent of Gaza as the IDF increases strikes on Lebanon. Plus: the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Colombia’s Sunday elections and AI enters Tribeca Festival.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how successful a US invasion of Cuba might be. Then: can Tony Blair save the UK Labour Party? Plus: should tap water be free in Italy and what makes a designer eligible for the Monocle Design Awards?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Russia expanding its hybrid war fronts tell us about the state of the conflict? Then: Can the West tackle corruption in its politics? And: Global tourism trends venture off the beaten track in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US president Donald Trump wants to make more Middle Eastern countries sign the Abraham Accords as part of a peace agreement – but would it actually make a difference? Then: The French presidential race hots up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.