
When politics kicks off at the World Cup: what separates the screamers from the own goals?
The World Cup has always been political, including previous editions hosted by juntas and dictatorships. This year, presidents thumbed the scale and small nations made us dream again. Who scored and w...
18 Jul 35min

Explainer 526: Why Japan has been spooked into launching an intelligence service
Japan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15 Jul 6min

Powering Purpose in London
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at Midori House in London. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Gerhard Salge, Olga Ro...
14 Jul 26min

The scramble for critical minerals
As the global competition for minerals intensifies, we consider the geopolitics at play. How did China emerge as a dominant force? And will the DRC ever benefit from its own resources?See omnystudio.c...
11 Jul 34min

Explainer 525: You can’t keep a Le Pen down
Far-right French firebrand Marine Le Pen’s sentence for embezzlement was reduced this week, allowing her to stand in next year’s presidential election. But will the conviction hinder or help her campa...
8 Jul 7min

Does the US still have a free press?
As the US marks 250 years, is one of the pillars of its democracy, a free press, under threat? Guests including White House correspondent Maggie Haberman discuss the current administration’s relations...
4 Jul 37min

Explainer 524: Why is Marco Rubio trying to unify Libya?
This week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what’s in it for the US secretary of state? See omnystudio.com/listener for...
1 Jul 6min

Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Monocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equali...
27 Jun 40min




















