The Briefing

As the UAE and Saudi Arabia forge stronger ties and Oman proposes a regional security pact, we discuss how diplomacy might still bring peace to the Middle East. Then: Canada-EU relations enter a new chapter. Plus: Milan’s new Stadium Generali. And: what’s next for Eurovision? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss where Israel and the wider region are heading now that the final votes have been counted in Israel. Then: why are the US midterms capturing the world’s attention? Plus: Monocle in New Delhi and ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Madrid with the latest as the death toll of a train collision rises. We discuss what happened and what questions it raises for rail safety. Plus: what next for Israel as no clear winner emerges from the election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Tel Aviv to assess the mood on the ground as millions turn out to vote in an election that could have global repercussions. Then: 50 stories celebrating 50 years of the National Theatre building in London. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a fourth term in office. While supporters celebrate, investor bets on a right-wing victory are upended. Plus: Serbia’s veteran leader Aleksandar Vučić ousted by the student movement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Globsec report argues that Europe won’t be ready to put new defence tech into action fast enough. We explore the solutions. Plus: entrepreneurship in New Delhi and Art Basel adjusts to more civil disruption in Paris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European and Gulf countries sign new deals on defence and energy. We examine the ties forged in crisis. Then: Google’s data centre plans in Finland are put on ice. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Helsinki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has announced that it’s releasing detained American Stephen Hubbard. Is this another signal of a warming relationship? Then: Romania forms a government after a 6-month political deadlock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Albertans vote to remain, we look at the lasting impact of the campaign to leave Canada. Then: Volodymyr Zelensky and Steve Witkoff head to Oslo. What shape could talks take? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Paris as Emmanuel Macron asks some cities to impose partial curfews after a weekend of riots and looting. But what’s next as his interior minister says that the police “lost control”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Trump rebukes Ukraine’s attacks on a Russian oil refinery, we speak to a former Ukrainian ambassador about how negotiations have changed. Then: the UAE’s changing security landscape and Sumo at the London Film Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EU leaders gather in Brussels, hoping to find a way forward for the bloc’s next budget. Is there room for manoeuvre? Plus: Giorgia Meloni criticises Donald Trump’s Russia diesel deal and Frieze London opens to the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky meets UK prime minister Andy Burnham as Russia strikes critical infrastructure in Kyiv Plus: the future of fashion retail and why Ford is re-entering rallying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the latest global economic forecast and what it means for financial systems as the IMF warns of ‘resilience under strain’. Plus: commissioning contemporary art and the Paris Auto Show opens to the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle and Hitachi Energy host a series of exclusive events in New Delhi featuring our editors and invited experts. Then: what’s getting everyone revved up at the Paris Motor Show? Plus: The CEO of Dubai Airports explains how the Gulf can make it through an increasingly turbulent period. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Oslo as the Nobel Institute recognises the achievements of the former UN rights chief and ICJ judge who stood up against apartheid. Plus: Anthony Vaccarello leaves Saint Laurent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from our Gulf correspondent as explosions hit the Saudi capital. Then: Italy prime minister Giorgia Meloni secures final approval for electoral overhaul. And: the latest on protests in Paris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donald Trump sows doubt about mail-in voting, Republicans face a dilemma. Then: France roils European bond markets. Plus: Jesper Brodin of the Earthshot prize. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As students, teachers and parents blockade schools across France, we speak to Anita Riotta in Paris. Plus: We review the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week and speak with Éternel Parisien founder Gilles Rosier. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, calls an early election amid widespread housing protests. Plus: right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro wins the first round of elections in Brazil but fails to secure an outright majority. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.