What are the US midterm elections and why do they matter?

Are authoritarian regimes joining forces? Plus: Russia’s last free newspaper closes; the Texas midterms; South Africa votes; and a Bangladeshi factory that won the Riba International Prize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Italy faces another day of nationwide protests, we examine how today’s mobilisation compares with the demonstrations earlier this month and the potential impact on Giorgia Meloni. Plus: the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Defence in Space 2026 conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain wrestles with the fallout of a major rail disaster and reflects on broader lessons for the industry. Then: our US midterm series heads to Alaska. And: a look at our favourite Halloween films.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As exit polls fail to identify a winner in Israel’s election, we get the latest from the region. Then: our midterm series in Maine. And: can scientists really make it rain? Plus: we hear from Artsy and Artnet CEO Jeffrey Yin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israelis head to the polls. Can Benjamin Netanyahu stay in power despite mounting criticism over his handling of the October attacks and their aftermath? We examine what’s at stake in this crucial election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil’s verdict is in: what changes now? Plus: Oxford Street goes pedestrian, the papers with Nina dos Santos and why Joshua Cooper Ramo thinks that the US and China can’t afford to be enemies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paris prepares for more protests but what should those preparations look like? Then: why will Serbia’s upcoming elections be so consequential for Europe? Plus: Korean speaker wars resume and Monocle’s new ‘Design Directory’.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s no-nonsense guide to the midterm elections is here. Then: Canada’s prime minister visits Turkey while Oman’s sultan heads to the UK. Plus: the Art Basel and Design Miami Paris editions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky meets US representatives in Oslo amid a deepening rift between Kyiv and Washington. Then: police face off with protestors across Europe – is any government getting its response right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vladimir Putin proposes peace talks with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, leaving Ukraine and Europe out of the picture. What does this mean for peace? Plus: Japan’s evolving security strategy, and unrest in Mauritius.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.