Who will be the UK’s new ambassador to the US?

The race is on to find a new British ambassador to the United States, following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson. Plus: a look at the Italian front pages and a Christmas-themed edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the big year ahead for Brazil and discuss how to remain optimistic in meeting the challenges facing refugees around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss whether Europe can shirk its rather submissive reaction to Trump’s second administration. Then: we hop on a new train to the Alps and pick out design gifts for the holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Australia reels from the shooting in Bondi beach, how is it being seen globally? Plus: Thailand calls for fresh elections and the new plans for Dracula Land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the worsening political and humanitarian situation in Gaza as Palestinians remain caught between the first two phases of the US-imposed ceasefire. Plus: the Thailand-Cambodia conflict enters its fifth day, business news and Monocle’s winter series continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Gulf correspondent joins to discuss tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Plus: Trump gives Nvidia OK to sell chips to China, Christmas-party fashion tips and our look-back edition of ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US president labels European leaders as “weak”, we discuss what lies ahead for the transatlantic alliance. Plus: the winner of the Turner Prize is announced and the best Christmas presents from the world of print. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from Bangkok as the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia turn deadly. Is de-escalation possible? Then: We weigh in on Saiki, Belgrade and Paris’s latest rail revamps. Plus: What can Miami teach the world about design? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukrainian president is in London for another high-stakes meeting after Donald Trump accused him of being less co-operative than Vladimir Putin. Plus: Slovenia’s Eurovision boycott and one year of Syria without Bashar al-Assad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pensions continue to be an ongoing source of political instability in Germany and France, we unpack why. Then: Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation. Plus: we meet Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, at ILTM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.