Friedrich Merz’s dramatic defeat and Met Gala 2025

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.

The Dominican Republic has allowed the US military to operate on its territory as the Trump administration prepares for further strikes on Venezuela. We get the view from the ground in Santo Domingo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Gulf leaders convene for the 46th GCC summit during a tense time for the region, we discuss what role the US could play in a joint defence plan. Plus: Design Miami, how taxes might have birthed civilisation and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luxury fashion groups LVMH and Armani look to the future as they shuffle their boards. Plus: what can recent elections tell us about the state of the far right in South America? Then: we’re live from Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign editor Alexis Self discusses a ‘pivotal week’ for diplomacy as Macron and Zelensky meet in Paris. Plus: a documentary about Pulitzer-winning war photographer Lynsey Addario. And: Monocle’s Switzerland Handbook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.