As protests erupt across France, we discuss whether the nation’s political and economic future is beginning to look like Italy’s. Then: reflections on a successful Quality of Life Conference in Barcelona with Andrew Tuck. 

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We discuss the rebrand of the US federal agency formerly known as the Department of Defense. What does the name change mean for the Pentagon’s approach to global military strategy and power?

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A new Thai prime minister is sworn in as former leader Thaksin Shinawatra returns from abroad ahead of a crucial court verdict. We discuss the latest with Monocle’s Bangkok-based Asia editor, James Chambers.

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Monocle’s editors and producers join Tom Edwards and Ed Stocker live from this year’s Quality of Life Conference in Barcelona to recap their favourite moments so far.

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 Emmanuel Macron hosts world leaders in Paris for talks on Ukraine security guarantees. Plus: ‘Konfekt’ editor Sophie Grove discusses the latest issue of the magazine and we head to Catalonia on ‘The Global Countdown’. 

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As France and Italy argue over ‘fiscal dumping’, Milan is attracting wealthy newcomers who are changing the feel of the city. We discuss how tax breaks are redrawing the borders of Europe’s millionaire map.

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Thailand’s House of Representatives convenes on 3 September to elect a new prime minister – but who is vying for leadership?

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Ursula von der Leyen says that Ukraine’s security guarantees could include thousands of European troops and an American ‘presence’. But is there real consensus in the EU on sending soldiers to Ukraine?

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We discuss the progress and friction of Europe’s rearmament drive. As Germany opens its largest munitions plant, Merz and Macron meet in Toulon to rescue a stalled fighter jet project.

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French president Emmanuel Macron risks losing his fourth prime minister in just two years with François Bayrou facing a crucial confidence vote. As France’s political and economic crisis deepens, what’s Macron’s next move? 

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