Monocle Radio Podcast (December 3, 2024): 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.
Monocle Radio Podcast (December 2, 2024): 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.
Monocle Radio Podcast (November 29, 2024): 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. P
lus: Vienna sausage stands gain Unesco status and we discuss Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo’s legacy.
The Guardian Weekly (November 28, 2024): The new issue features last week’s escalation of Nato ballistic missile activity, in which UK and US-made missiles were launched into Russia for the first time, brought a predictably cold response from Vladimir Putin – who loosened Moscow’s nuclear doctrines and promised more attacks with a new, experimental ballistic missile.
1
Spotlight | Does lame duck Biden have time to Trump-proof democracy? The outgoing US president may only have weeks left in the White House, but activists say he can secure civil liberties, accelerate spending on climate and healthcare, and spare death row prisoners. David Smith reports
2
Science | My weird, emotional week with an AI pet Casio says Moflin can develop its own personality and build a rapport with its owner – and it doesn’t need food, exercise or a litter tray. But is it essentially comforting or alienating? Justin McCurry finds out
3
Feature | Are we right to strive to save the world’s tiniest babies? Doctors are pushing the limits of science and human biology to save more extremely premature babies than ever before. But when so few survive, are we putting them through needless suffering? By Sophie McBain
4
Opinion | A social media ban is in everyone’s interests – not just kids under 16 Van Badham on why she resents being excluded from protection against monetised fear, anger and toxicity
5
Culture | A road trip like no other: an epic drive on the Autobahn Fifty years after electronic pioneers Kraftwerk released a 23-minute song about a road – and changed pop music for ever – Tim Jonze hits the highways of Düsseldorf and Hamburg in search of its futuristic brilliance
Monocle Radio Podcast (November 28, 2024):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.
Monocle Radio Podcast (November 27, 2024):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.
Monocle Radio Podcast (November 26, 2024):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.
Monocle Radio Podcast (November 21, 2024):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.
Monocle Radio Podcast (November 22, 2024): 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.