Has World Urban Forum delivered on its theme of ‘Housing The World’?
22/05/2026 | 39min
As the World Urban Forum comes to a close in Baku, we hear from Anacláudia Rossbach, the executive director of UN-Habitat, and Prasoon Kumar, architect and founder of Billion Bricks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why it’s up to Pakistan to keep US-Iran peace talks on track
21/05/2026 | 34min
As Pakistan increases its diplomatic engagement with Tehran and Washington, we assess whether the nation can end the war. Plus: we analyse whether Raúl Castro’s indictment could lead to conflict between the US and Cuba. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Xi casts China as the world’s stable power: what does this mean for the international order?
20/05/2026 | 38min
Postwar international order is in flux as Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin and projects Beijing as the world’s stable power. Meanwhile, in Europe, Donald Trump announces the withdrawal of Nato troops, reportedly in response to Friedrich Merz’s criticisms. What will the effects be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The stakes of the Xi-Putin summit for Taiwan and Ukraine
19/05/2026 | 38min
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meet, pledging to support each other’s “core interests”. Then: Turkey looks to carve out a new role in the Middle East after the conflict in Iran. Plus: The rebellion against AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’
18/05/2026 | 38min
Why Taiwan is stressing that it’s ‘not part of China’. Plus: As the UAE blames Iran for a drone strike, we look at scenarios for Gulf stability; and why the rivals for British prime minister are mooting rejoining the EU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.