Why the first Duma elections since the outbreak of the Ukraine war matter to Russia

As the UK investigates an incident near an RAF base that’s used by the US military and the EU discusses incorporating a Nato-style defence pact, Andrew Mueller asks his guests about the hidden risks of alliances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Switzerland prepares to vote on enforcing its neutral status, Benno Zogg from the Swiss Federal Department of Defence explains what this would mean for security. Plus: will Rob Bound actually win the weekly quiz this time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carole Walker and Anand Menon discuss Donald Trump’s threat to ban diesel exports. Plus: Australia’s OpenAI hack and the best places to retire. And: a preview of our new podcast, Konfekt Conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will paralysing Iran’s airports help Washington? Then: Donald Trump calls Cuba a “failed state” and Bordeaux residents get a say in how their city’s money is spent. And: a novel way for bookworms to fall in love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US president addresses the UN General Assembly amid a row over press freedom. Then: France responds to fuel protests and Seoul’s mayor pushes for more green city spaces. And: Do you feel younger than your actual age?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders of the world flock to New York for the 81st edition of the United Nations General Assembly. Then: are US sanctions any more effective, or ethical, than military might? Plus: mayors of the world gather to swap urbanism tips. And: which hotel lobbies are best for lobbying? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russians go to the polls across three days to elect a new State Duma. Then: The Michelin Keys list 2026, Burberry’s trench coat at the V&A and What We Learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monocle Daily team broadcast live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit. Tonight we ask: can foreign news organisations flourish in the UAE’s media landscape? Is there a future for the old-school news anchor and if so, what does it look like?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monocle Daily team broadcasts live from the World Trade Centre for the Arab Media Summit, taking the temperature of the region’s largest media gathering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon head to Washington for talks unlikely to produce a result. Then: Can Hungary’s fresh start be a blueprint for Europe? Plus: Monocle at the Arab Media Summit and would you buy a dupe design?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.