The Globalist

China’s economy has weakened in the past few years, will 2025 bring a reversal of fortunes? Plus, where will Beijing stand on the biggest geopolitical issues of the year?

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Agenda-setting news from the worlds of geopolitics, business and culture. Plus: Lithuania’s former foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis offers his outlook for 2025.

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Chris Cermak and guests discuss some of the biggest themes of the year ahead, from defence to travel and climate.

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In-depth coverage of the day’s main news stories around the world, anchored from London by Emma Nelson.

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In-depth coverage of the day’s main news stories around the world, anchored from London by Georgina Godwin.

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In-depth coverage of the day’s main news stories around the world, anchored from Midori House in London by Georgina Godwin.

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As the festive season continues, Christopher Cermak is joined by the Monocle team to review the year in food and culture. Plus: we reflect on a remarkable past 12 months in aviation. 

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It has been another big year in fashion and design. Christopher Cermak is joined by Monocle’s teams in London and Zürich to discuss their highlights, from the runway to the pavement. Plus: HJ Mai explores the German Bundeswehr market.

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As we draw nearer to the close of 2024, Christopher Cermak is joined by Nina dos Santos and a host of other regional specialists to review an unprecedented year in geopolitics.

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We hear the latest from the war on Ukraine as Olga Tokariuk joins Emma Nelson from Chernivtsi. Plus: the search for flight MH370 continues and best-selling author Tim Marshall joins Andrew Mueller to discuss what goes into a decent quiz about geopolitics.

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Is the time finally ripe for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas? Plus: Ukraine’s Ark Project with Czech help, why the US government could shut down on Saturday and the world’s first luxury theme park.

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Border tensions in Syria continue as Israel claims it will maintain a buffer zone in the country. Plus: a look at Asheville’s hurricane recovery, a flick through Monocle’s Greece handbook and how Portugal’s passports are getting a makeover.

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The European Union is reopening its delegation in Syria while France is sending envoys to Damascus. How can diplomacy help rebuild the country? Then: we look at what Moscow describes as “inevitable retribution” towards Ukraine following the killing of a top general. Plus: Ecowas approves three-nation exit from the bloc, Taiwan gets new US-made tanks to boost its defences and ‘Le Monde’ newspaper turns 80.

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As reports emerge of significant losses to North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, we assess whether the war between Moscow and Kyiv is at a turning point. Then: Israel’s isolationism continues as it shutters its Dublin embassy. Plus: transport changes in London, fashion news, ‘Forbes’ magazine opens a private-members’ club and we remember India’s legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

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German chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to lose a no-confidence motion set for today. What will that mean for Germany and the world as yet another nation faces a governmental crisis? Plus: the latest from Israel, a look at the political situation in South Korea, the protests in Serbia and we meet Austrian singer Sofie Royer.

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As Syria plans to rebuild, Hafed al-Ghwell joins Christopher Cermak to discuss what the future holds. Plus: what next for the Nakagin Capsule Tower site, the Vatican’s keffiyeh controversy and a look at a Czech film that has outsold ‘Barbie’. 

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What will it take to resurrect Syria’s once-stunning built environment? Also in the programme: the humanitarian view from Odessa with Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the results of a new poll from the European Council on Foreign Relations on attitudes towards EU-UK relations. Plus, we examine the global implications of Kenya’s illicit gold trade and take a dram from the seasonal whiskey menu at the Fife Arms.

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Following the overthrow of the Assad regime, what will happen to the millions of Syrians who were granted asylum abroad? We give you the latest and look at why strikes are continuing. Plus: Emmanuel Macron’s grand coalition talks, China sends its largest fleet in nearly 30 years to the Taiwan region – and we meet Finland’s ambassador to the UK, Jukka Siukosaari, and Business Finland’s director for western Europe, Jukka Holappa. 

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime, the UN Security Council meets to discuss what comes next in Syria. Also in the programme: the UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, makes a historic visit to Cyprus; we meet the president and CEO of Future Caucus; and a flick through the new handbook launched by Monocle last night. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on 2025’s Golden Globes. 

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The latest on Syria as Bashar al-Assad flees to Moscow and rebels claim Damascus. Plus, the future of Yoon Suk Yeol, Romania’s cancelled election and Saudi Arabia’s new date-based soft drink. 

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Ääniä is a journey through Finland in music, reflecting the natural beauty, serenity, vast spaces and many faces of the happiest country in the world. It lets you experience Finland or simply find your own, inner happy place. Composed by Lauri Porra.

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As France’s political crisis reverberates across Europe, Simon Bouvier and Florence Biedermann join Emma Nelson to discuss the options Macron has left. Plus: Andrew Mueller on how not to stage a coup d’etat and Nordic news with Petri Burtsoff.

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Following a historic vote in France’s parliament, we get the latest from Paris on what’s next for the government. Then: we look at what both Donald Trump and Joe Biden are describing as a politicised justice system and hear about Germany’s war preparedness plans. Plus: we meet the new director of Art Basel Miami Beach, Bridget Finn. Then: our team in Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market sits down with Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. 

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We get the latest from Seoul as South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declares emergency martial law. Then: Nato leaders gather in Brussels at a tense time for geopolitics, the emir of Qatar boosts his nation’s soft power with a UK state visit and we look at the latest debt-for-climate deal in Barbados. Plus: Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, sits down with the CEO of Accor, Sébastien Bazin, at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.

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French prime minister Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse as right-wing parties push back on his budget proposal. We’ll also discuss the latest out of Syria and why Japan has doubled its military-aid budget. Then: we cross to Cannes as the Monocle team hits the International Luxury Travel Market.

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The latest from Syria as Russia fails to contain a rebel offensive on Aleppo, Icelanders vote after the collapse of a fraught coalition government, Jamaica’s tourism minister joins us ahead of the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. Then we bring you the global paper review and the latest business news. Plus: Why Santa won’t be coming to France. 

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Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te is set to defy Beijing with his upcoming Pacific trip that will include US stopovers. Alessio Patalano joins Emma Nelson to discuss what China’s response might be. Plus: Vienna sausage stands gain Unesco status and we discuss Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo’s legacy. 

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As the international community raises the alarm over the warming relationship between Tehran and Moscow, we assess what this means for the frontline in Ukraine. Then: the International Criminal Court wants an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military junta and Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement trial concludes. Plus: a new international airport for Greenland and the latest design news.

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We discuss the latest on the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal. Plus: why Brazil is boycotting a French supermarket chain, China’s warnings over Trump’s tariffs announcement and the final sprint of Swiss-EU negotiations. Plus: a special interview with Ukrainian Eurovision winner, Jamala.

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Supporters of Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, take to the streets of Islamabad to demand his release. Elsewhere, Italy’s controversial deal with Albania over asylum seekers lands leader Georgia Meloni in hot water; in Tbilisi, the first session of the newly elected parliament sparks protests; and we’re in Cambodia to report on the conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Plus: why US retailers have extended Black Friday.

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How dangerous is the deployment of a new weapon by Moscow, and can the West de-escalate tensions? Then: we’re in Bucharest to unpack the results of the presidential election, we also take a look at the future of the West Bank and hear how Namibians are bracing for a game-changing vote. Plus: newspapers from Zürich and the latest news from the world of fashion. 

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As the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others, we assess what effects it will have in resolving the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Then: Narendra Modi wraps up a historic visit to Guyana, Moldova clinches a crucial security deal with the UK and we recap this year’s Cop29 summit in Baku.

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The new US treasury secretary will have the power to shape the global economy with its tariff and tax policy. Plus: should Iran be censured before the IAEA? Also, Peace Brigades International documents the threats faced by global human-rights activists and an interview with the founder of European Sleeper to mark the release of our latest ‘Monocle: The Entrepreneurs’ magazine.

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We discuss the latest from ceasefire efforts in Beirut, a shift in tone as Ukraine strikes Russia with US-supplied missiles for the first time, and protests in New Zealand. Plus: a matcha shortage and ‘Wicked’

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As world leaders gather at the G20 summit in Brazil, Oscar Guardiola-Rivera joins Emma Nelson to discuss what face-to-face diplomacy might achieve and examines how Mexico views Donald Trump. Plus, the EU meets to discuss Georgia and Will Hodgkinson brings us the latest music news.

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Xi Jinping, Joe Biden and other world leaders hold bilaterals as Apec comes to an end in Lima and the G20 gets under way in Brazil. Plus: Amsterdam protests affect the Dutch government, how the Philippines is surviving an onslaught of typhoons and the new French dictionary.

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As Israel continues its bombardment of Hezbollah targets, those charged with bringing about a ceasefire suggest progress is being made. We get the latest from Beirut as the region recalculates with the incoming Trump administration. Plus: Aaron Burnett on Germany’s elections and Karen Krizanovich brings us the latest from the world of film.

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As Russia moves forward with its attempt to retake Kursk, Maria Avdeeva and  Jenny Mathers join Georgina Godwin to discuss what options might still be available for Ukraine. Plus: Trump meets Biden in the White House and Frances Colón details Cop29. 

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The US’s deadline for Israel to boost aid to Gaza has come and gone. What happens now? Then: we cross to Haiti where a new prime minister has taken office. Plus: China’s air show and Japan’s minority government.

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A special live edition recorded in Sydney on the sidelines of UBS’s 2024 Australasia Conference. Nic Monisse hosts a discussion about better design, urbanism and hospitality, featuring insights from Sydney Design Week creative director Keinton Butler, journalist Tim Ross and placemaking expert Jacqui Stanton. Plus: appearances by Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, and Asia editor, James Chambers.

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We discuss who is assembling in Mar-a-Lago as Trump’s cabinet picks begin, consider why soldiers have been deployed on the streets of Mozambique and hear the highlights from Dubai Design Week. Then: we check in with World Travel Market London and deliver the latest arts and culture news. Plus: today’s auction of the diamond necklace linked to Marie Antoinette’s downfall.

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With Europe bracing for a second Trump presidency, we discuss what’s next for the EU and Ukraine. Then: Germany heads for snap elections as the ruling coalition crumbles. Plus: highlights from the 2024 World Architecture Festival and a special interview with the minister of tourism of Greece, Olga Kefalogianni. 

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As the world processes the news that Donald Trump has once again been elected president, Vincent McAviney and the Monocle team join Emma Nelson to discuss what the geopolitical implications are. Plus: Boeing workers finally return and the view from Art Week Tokyo. 

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A special programme out of Washington as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump declares victory over his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris. Our team on the ground brings you the latest results and analysis as votes trickle in – we’re in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Alabama, California, Michigan and in the nation’s capital. Plus: the team in London on how Europe has reacted to the result. 

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As a historic US election day unfolds, Monocle’s Christopher Lord reports from a tense Washington, Georgina Godwin explores political branding in the American South and Andrew Mueller reviews bizarre election ads. Plus: Asia-Pacific security stakes and a Brazilian take on newspaper political endorsements.

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We examine a frenetic final weekend of campaigning ahead of Tuesday’s US presidential election and speak with Ian Brzezinski about America’s role in the world. Plus: The World Weather Attribution report, an interview with director Steve McQueen and why crows hold grudges.

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As strikes and rockets continue to fire across the Lebanon-Israel border, there is still a sense of optimism about a ceasefire in the region. Hannah McCarthy joins Emma Nelson to discuss the situation. Plus: Andrew Mueller details the rigorous arguments of bloviating real-estate huxters, William Yang gives us the latest on Taiwan’s record-breaking typhoon and Rebecca Tay explains why Christmas is getting creepier. 

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Monocle’s Simon Bouvier joins Emma Nelson to discuss the future of the Renaissance party, as former French prime ministers Gabriel Attal and Élisabeth Borne avoid a political bust-up over who will be its next leader. Plus: China’s mounting debt problems, Copenhagen’s witch exhibition and the Vatican City’s new anime mascot.

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Monocle’s Christopher Cermak reports from Washington as Emma Nelson discusses Hezbollah’s new leader choice with Edmund Bower in Beirut. Plus: influence operations and disinformation in Switzerland, historic Italian naval ship docks in Singapore and Bangkok’s Jay Fai announces that she is hanging up her apron. 

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The latest on talks for a proposed two-day truce in Gaza. Plus, questions over the legitimacy of Georgia’s election results, a flip through the papers and the role of conspiracies in the US presidential campaign.

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Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party has lost its majority in snap elections but Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to stay on. Fiona Wilson, Monocle’s Tokyo bureau chief, joins Georgina Godwin to discuss what comes next. Plus: Lindsey Hilsum on Lebanon and we hear about protecting Slovakia’s cultural heritage and plans for Poland’s new supercity. 

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Georgia goes to the polls tomorrow in the first parliamentary elections since the country obtained EU-candidate status in December 2023, it is also the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Joshua Kucera joins Georgina Godwin to discuss this decisive moment for the country’s future and whether it is shifting towards Russia or the West. Plus: What will chancellor Scholz hope to secure for Germany’s economic future from his visit to India? Then: Dutch navy unveils the world’s first unmanned warships. 

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We get the latest following the deadly attack on a major defence and aerospace company in the Turkish capital. Plus: North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia, why Tokyo Metro’s market debut is on the right track and a look ahead to our new programme, ‘Monocle on Fashion’. 

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Antony Blinken is back in the Middle East – but prospects for a ceasefire appear slim. We also get the latest on the UN Biodiversity Conference in Colombia, find out why a former Peruvian president has been jailed for 20 years and learn how Egypt has managed to eradicate malaria. Plus: the Rome International Film Festival.

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Vladimir Putin brings Brics leaders to Kazan, our US politics correspondent brings us the latest two weeks before the presidential election and we discuss King Charles’s testy visit to Australia. Plus: a check-in from San Francisco’s Urban Transformation Summit.

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Moldova’s European Union referendum too close to call and the legacy of Indonesia’s Joko Widodo. Plus: architect Richard England and the Utopian Hours festival in Turin.

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What does the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar mean for the war? Then: we turn to Mozambique as the ruling Frelimo party claims victory in contested presidential elections. Plus: we report from Art Basel Paris and check out Cathay Pacific’s new business class ‘Aria Suite’.

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We examine Kyiv’s latest diplomatic push with its Western allies, as Volodymyr Zelensky presents his ‘victory plan’ to parliament in Ukraine. Then: a first for the EU as it hosts leaders from the Gulf nations. Plus: Sweden’s plans to grow its military, retail news, a dispatch from the Frankfurt Book Fair and a meeting with the cast and writer of hit series ‘The Turkish Detective’.

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As one of the biggest court cases in Portugal’s history kicks off, we discuss the effects of the collapse of Banco Espírito Santo and the Espírito Santo Group ten years on. Plus: Donald Tusk’s new plans to curb asylum in Poland, a dispatch from the Paris Motor Show 2024 and architecture news.

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The latest as the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit kicks off in Pakistan. Then: China holds fresh military exercises around Taiwan, campaigning begins ahead of Japan’s snap election and Nasa hunts for alien life in our solar system. 

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We unpack the latest Iran-Israel tensions, get the results of Lithuania’s weekend election and hear about France’s tortured relationship with its former North African colonies. Plus: Portugal’s tax incentive for under-35s.

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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky launches a European tour to rally more arms and support from the West. But as the war heads into its third winter, what can he realistically expect? Plus: is Washington’s patience with Israel’s Gaza offensive wearing thin? Plus: we check in with the team at the Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Istanbul.

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The world waits on the nature of Israel’s response to last week’s Iranian missile attacks, Ukraine’s main newspaper speaks out against the country’s government, the US leaves its Typhoon missile system in the Philippines and China has imposed temporary anti-dumping measures on brandy imports from the EU. Plus: All the moments to look out for from Frieze London 2024. 

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We discuss the politicising of disaster response and how devastating back-to-back hurricanes could affect voting in the US election. Plus: what can the ASEAN Summit accomplish? And: a special interview with the former foreign secretary of India, ambassador Shyam Saran, on increasing cybersecurity threats and the need for global cooperation.

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We discuss the latest from the Middle East. Then: a look at how the Taliban have been profiting from their control of Afghanistan’s airspace and the strained relations between China and Pakistan following another targeted terror attack. Plus: Maria Hinojosa on her contributions to journalism.

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We analyse the results and conduct of Tunisia’s presidential elections and look at the one-year anniversary of the 7 October attacks by Hamas on Israel. Plus: A conversation with Katty Kay and the artistic director of the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv.

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Russia’s new law exempting defendants from criminal liability if they join the army, the Iran-backed Houthi militia carry out a drone attack on Tel Aviv and the lives of children on Ukraine’s frontline. Plus: we dive into protest architecture.

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How close are the Middle East’s two greatest foes to all-out conflict? Then: German chancellor Olaf Scholz and French president Emmanuel Macron meet in Berlin, Singapore’s former transport minister is on trial and we get an update on Hurricane Helene. Plus: a visit to Christie’s Asia flagship and there’s a reshuffle at Celine.

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We get the latest from Iran and the US after a long night of activity. Plus: a look at Marine le Pen’s embezzlement trial, the latest design news and a hunt for the oldest DNA. 

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The latest from Lebanon, Czechia’s coalition crisis, the Mozambican soldiers operating out of Total Energies’ natural gas plant, why sex has returned to cinema and news from the world of architecture. Plus: we report from Paris Fashion Week.

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Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, was killed in a huge Israeli air attack on Beirut. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says that the assassination will change the balance of power in the region. What happens next? Also in the programme: Mexico bids farewell to Andrés Manuel López Obrador and welcomes its first-female president, Claudia Sheinbaum; Russia eyes a satellite deal in West Africa; and Jakarta braces for a mayoral election. Plus, we discuss the UN’s meeting on the “slow-motion pandemic” and we head to Ibiza Town for a gastronomic tour.

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As international calls grow louder for a three-week ceasefire in Lebanon, Allison Kaplan Sommer joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the likelihood of a pause in fighting. Plus: Monocle’s Christopher Cermak looks ahead to the Austrian elections and Karen Krizanovich joins us for the latest in the world of film. 

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As Zelensky addresses the 79th UNGA and world leaders react to the crisis in Lebanon, Burcu Ozcelik and Marion Messmer join Georgina Godwin to discuss what the General Assembly can hope to achieve. Plus: Monocle’s Laura Kramer climbs aboard to give us the run-down on the InnoTrans trade fair and we get a sneak preview of the latest edition of Monocle Magazine. 

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Joe Biden delivers his final address as US president on “how the world should come together”; attacks across the border between Lebanon and Israel escalate; and why union leaders at Boeing have rejected a “best and final offer”. Plus: we have the latest on the US election and headlines from the world of technology. 

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Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders make their case in New York and Washington; the US helps Taiwan make China-proof drones; why the Swiss object to biodiversity; and Australia’s supermarket scandal. Plus: the curator of Dundee Design Week.

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As world leaders flock to New York this week for the 79th UN General Assembly, Emma Nelson talks to Julie Norman and Mark Lowcock to discuss how the crisis in the Middle East will affect the proceedings. Plus: we find out what the election results might mean for Sri Lanka’s economic future and check in at Milan Fashion Week.  

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As the Israel-Hezbollah conflict reaches boiling point, Georgina Godwin is joined by Hannah McCarthy and Mark Lyall Grant to discuss what the UN Security Council can hope to achieve during its emergency meetings this week. Plus: Carlota Rebelo considers whether or not the Thames river will ever be swimmable. 

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Lebanon sees further explosions of digital devices as Hezbollah vows retaliation. We unpack the latest and explore the broader concerns for global security. Plus: Colombia’s president declares an end to peace talks with the ELN, the Dutch try to opt out of EU migration rules and a look at Uzbekistan’s disco scene.

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As Lebanon buckles under the chaos unleashed by widespread explosions yesterday, Hannah McCarthy joins Georgina Godwin to discuss the latest. Plus: Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco details the excitement surrounding the 25th Annual Latin Grammy awards.

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We discuss the latest from the Middle East as Israel says that time is running out for a diplomatic solution with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Also on the programme: Putin’s latest ambitions to expand Russia’s army and Greece’s dwindling birthrate. Then: what does the second assassination attempt on Donald Trump say about the safety processes for presidential candidates? Plus: we hear about New Zealand’s bird of the year. 

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