We speak to Ukrainian Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk at the Helsinki+50 Conference. Then: The White House’s ambitions to build a new ballroom and we raise a glass to National Spritz Day.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Trump’s tariff deadline looms, we assess what recognition of a Palestinian state means for trade deals with Washington. Then: why Europe’s roads aren’t war-ready and the importance of influencers in politics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Approval ratings for leaders in the US and UK are slumping, we unpack why global politics seems so fragmented. Plus: The fallout from Tehran’s water crisis and the reason behind a Regency literature revival.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, announces a plan to recognise the state of Palestine. Then: Washington and Beijing hold a second day of trade talks. Plus: how important is ice in a drink?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yossi Mekelberg and Patricia Cohen look at the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Europe’s reaction to the trade deal with the US, Moscow’s launch of direct flights to Pyongyang and “Ghosts of Iron Mountain”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the “gifts to reduce the public debt” website causes a stir in the US with a new payment method, Monocle’s in-house team joins to discuss splitting the bill. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Brussels and Beijing mark 50 years of diplomacy, we discuss how simmering tensions might scupper progress. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Knesset votes in favour of imposing “Israeli sovereignty” on the West Bank, we discuss how this symbolic gesture could eventually result in concrete action. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As indirect talks between Syria and Israel resume, we discuss what lies ahead for the country’s interim leader as the fragile Druze-Bedouin ceasefire holds. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Israel launches an offensive in Deir al-Balah, we discuss the US’s waning patience with Benjamin Netanyahu. Then: India and China repair ties and European nations look to incentivise a return of their diaspora.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.