Special edition: Answering Life’s Big Questions – Economics

The US and Ukraine sign minerals deal investing in Kyiv’s defence against Russia. Plus: France considering screen ban for children under the age of six. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine’s allies to “increase pressure on Russia”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In partnership with the University of Warwick, Monocle teamed up with the institution’s acclaimed academics to answer big questions submitted by readers. In this episode, Professor of Economics Caroline Elliott answers, ‘Why are luxury consumers attracted to exclusivity?’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first 100 days of the second Donald Trump presidency and Mark Carney’s Liberals seal comeback victory in Canada’s elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest on a huge power cut that has left Portugal and Spain without electricity. Then: world military spending’s record surge, Canada’s election and Switzerland’s most unnecessary laws.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRC and Rwanda look set to sign an agreement to foster a pathway to peace. Then: the final day of mourning for Pope Francis ahead of his funeral. Plus: Monocle’s new website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK chancellor eyes a trade deal with the US; Jordan’s changing diplomatic role in the US; and how Portugal is dealing with loudspeakers on trains.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Nina dos Santos and Lynne O’Donnell to discuss the latest following the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir in the past 25 years. How have India and Pakistan responded? Also on the programme: as CBS’s top producer quits, citing a loss of journalistic independence, we examine the state of media in the US. Then: efforts are under way in Iraq to entice tourists to the post-conflict country. We consider how they might take shape. Plus: new rules for Oscar voters mandate them to watch every film before casting their decision. We ask why this wasn’t already the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In partnership with the University of Warwick, Monocle teamed up with the institution’s acclaimed academics to answer big questions submitted by readers. In this episode, Professor of Politics and Global Sustainable Development Elena Korosteleva answers, ‘Have we shifted from a soft power to a hard political environment?’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giorgia Scaturro and Charles Hecker look at what could come out of peace talks between Ukraine, the US, UK and France. Also on the programme: amid reports of a second leak from US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, is the Pentagon in disarray? And: what soft power does the papacy give Italy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.