Is controlling the sun the brightest idea?

Tira Shubart and Andrew Mueller discuss the plans to reflect the sun’s rays in a way to capitalise on solar energy. What could possibly go wrong for life on Earth? Plus: a light round-up of the week’s events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Hecker and Patti Cohen on the effects of Yemen’s Houthis on global shipping, how much the Iran war will cost the US, whether Pakistan will get compensated for mediation and how fresh EU sanctions impact Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Lucinda Smith and Erin O’Halloran assess the global impact of a US agreement to build out Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy programme. Plus: why Japan’s prime minister was pleased to get five hours of sleep over the weekend. And Guy De Launey reports on a Balkan conspiracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Burnham’s cabinet sit down for their first meeting: what can we learn from their early policy positions? Then: why is the French far right bucking the tech-bro trend and shunning Elon Musk? Plus: Chengdu’s West Village.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex von Tunzelmann and Justin Quirk on the chances of Andy Burnham succeeding where Sir Keir Starmer could not. Plus: Farnborough International Airshow opens and an interview with Jack Watling, author of new book Statecraft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle writer Julia Jenne looks at the consequences of the cabinet reshuffle in Kyiv and why Vladimir Putin’s popularity is dropping in Russia. Then: Andrew Mueller and Robert Bound test each other’s news knowledge in our weekly quiz. And: we hear from Italo disco revivalists Mind Enterprises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukrainian president’s decision to dismiss popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked anger. Then: Ten years after a failed coup, what’s next for Turkey? And: China bans chatbots built for companionship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran and the US are back in conflict. Daniella Peled and Ash Bhardwaj discuss who (else) can bring an end to the war with Iran if the IRGC and the Trump administration fail to cease hostilities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France offered a show of military force and European unity during Emmanuel Macron’s last Bastille Day parade. Is there such a thing as a good display of military might? Our panel, including Michael Binyon and Elisabeth Braw, discuss.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negah Angha and John Everard on the US and Iran’s failure to give diplomacy a chance. Then: Japan aims to centralise intelligence and French parents bring kids to work. Plus: Sally Hayden’s book This Is Also a Love Story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.