The Briefing

Already democracy’s busiest year, 2024 just got even more frantic with Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of a surprise French parliamentary election after Marine Le Pen’s European-election triumph. Plus: the attack on Denmark’s prime minister, Brazil’s extradition battle with Argentina and Apple plays catch-up on AI.

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Volodymyr Zelensky has been branded a “hero” by one D-Day veteran as France announces that it will provide Ukraine with fighter jets and training. Authorities in Hong Kong further crack down on free speech as two British judges quit its top court. Then: a busy week for space travel and why young EU voters are swayed by the right. Plus: can anyone besides Taylor Swift still sell out stadiums?

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Millions of voters across the EU’s 27 member states are heading to the polls to elect a new parliament. The ballot will return 720 MEPs who could have a major effect on the bloc’s political direction. Joe Biden accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of purposefully prolonging the war in Gaza. Plus: this year’s new Serpentine Pavilion is unveiled and Egypt bids to be the first African nation to host the Olympics.

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Narendra Modi, the once seemingly unflappable leader of India, appears to have had his wings clipped in a shock result from India’s elections. We also check in on US election campaigns, exactly five months out from the vote. Plus: the latest business news and Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg visits new member Finland. 

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The results of the world’s biggest-ever election are surprising for India’s incumbent prime minister, Narendra Modi. Also on the programme: the UK’s first TV election debate is overshadowed by the re-emergence of Nigel Farage. Plus: the possible break-up of Belgium and the latest space news. 

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US president Joe Biden lays out a ceasefire proposal for Israel and Hamas and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky accuses China of helping Russia sabotage its upcoming peace summit. Then: business news with Bloomberg, we report from Johannesburg on the South African elections and our EU elections series heads to the Baltics.

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Donald Trump vows to fight on, despite being convicted on 34 felony counts by a Manhattan jury. We have the latest. After that, we head to a Dubai aviation conference, look at Western policy reversals in allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia and get an update on Iran’s presidential elections. All that, plus a trip to the Netherlands for the next installation of our European Parliament elections series. 

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We get an update from South Africa’s elections and head to Hong Kong for the conviction of more than a dozen pro-democracy protesters. We also get the latest business news and visit Italy for our latest European Parliament elections instalment. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Mongolia. 

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We get the latest from Rafah, where the US denies a full-scale invasion is under way, even as Israeli tanks appear to enter the heart of the city. Then: we’ll hear about the closing arguments in Donald Trump’s trial in New York and whether the jury might convict him. We also head to Georgia to get an opposition MP’s take on the controversial ‘foreign influence’ law and Monocle’s Nina dos Santos is in France to report on the mood ahead of next week’s European Parliament elections.

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We get the latest from Rafah as the UN Security Council plans a closed-door meeting; then we report as Georgia’s parliament looks to overcome a presidential veto to pass its “foreign agents” law, and Queensland’s state authorities offer free public transport to all. Plus: for our EU elections series, we head to Stockholm.

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A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from Midori House in London by Georgina Godwin.

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Russia continues its advance towards Kharkiv, the US sues Ticketmaster owner Live Nation and we check in with Dammam to see how Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform has been going. Plus: we meet Ukraine’s Cultural Forces.

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China begins two days of joint military drills around democratic Taiwan, we assess how the UK’s snap election announcement has affected the economy, South Korea unveils a record package to support its chip industry and we hear from the founder of Lisbon Design Week. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ comes to us from Tanzania.

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Three European countries to formally enact Palestinian state recognition, US artificial-intelligence stock-market winner Nvidia announces results and Paris rail workers strike over Olympics bonuses. Plus: Kenya’s president, William Ruto, arrives in Washington.

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The International Criminal Court has requested arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes in Israel and Gaza. Then: Australia and New Zealand begin evacuations in New Caledonia as violence continues and the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, is in Austria for migration talks. Plus: business headlines and a look at the latest fashion news.

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We look at the US-built pier off Gaza as it begins delivering aid and what challenges lie ahead. Plus: Taiwan’s legendarily unruly parliament kicks off again as a new president prepares for inauguration and why Hungary’s prime minister is taking the attempted assassination of Slovakia’s prime minister personally. Plus: the new releases hitting screens this week.

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We check in on Slovakia prime minister Robert Fico’s condition after shooting and the events that led up to this act of violence. Then: we discuss Russia’s offensive in Ukraine’s strategically important Kharkiv region and examine why a state of emergency has been declared in New Caledonia. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Switzerland. 

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Jordan says that it has foiled an Iran-backed plot to stop weapons being smuggled into the kingdom. We have the latest. Plus: as Vladimir Putin says that he backs China’s plan for peace in Ukraine, we ask what this really means. Finally, after a far-right politician in Germany is fined for using a banned Nazi slogan, we ask whether it is a sign of a wider shift. All that, plus a check-in from Cannes Film Festival.

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Students across Georgia have walked out of classrooms and lecture halls to march against the foreign-agent law that is set to be passed by the country’s parliament. In New York, ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testifies in the hush-money trial against his former boss. Plus: Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg’s message for the youth of the alliance, the latest business news and what Gucci is up to in London this week. 

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We hear about the huge protests that have broken out in Georgia over the introduction of a new foreign influence bill, described by critics as the “Russian law”. The bill, which has been rushed through ahead of elections, targets civil-society organisations and independent media that receive foreign funding. Plus, we find out why President Putin has changed his defence minister and opened up a new front in Ukraine; Nordic nations meet to discuss closer economic and security co-operation and we’ll hear about the backstage drama at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. 

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As Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky replaces the head of his personal protection unit after two of its officers were detained over an alleged assassination plot against him. We examine what this and other staffing shake-ups might indicate. Then: after Iran-backed Houthi rebels vow to broaden their attacks in the Red Sea, we ask how much longer companies can afford alternative routes. Plus: the latest from Trump’s hush-money trial and could the UK be about to get a new political party?

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Joe Biden warns Benjamin Netanyahu against an Israeli offensive in Rafah, saying that he is prepared to cut off supplies if troops enter the city. We get the latest. Then: we check in on North Macedonia’s elections and explore why Apple’s latest advertising campaign has prompted unprecedented backlash. Plus: Vietnam’s snub to the EU and our man in Malmö previews Eurovision.

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We discuss today’s EU meeting on new sanctions on Russia. Then we bring you the latest from Tokyo as prime minister Fumio Kishida returns from his diplomatic trip to Brazil and Paraguay. Plus: business news and why the redesign of the Swiss army knife will remove a crucial element: the knife.

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As Xi Jinping visits Europe for the first time in five years, we examine the pressure that European leaders are putting on Xi Jinping over the war in Ukraine. And has Turkey’s suspension of trade with Israel had any tangible effect? Then: as student protests continue to shake university campuses across the globe, we ask a Princeton University professor what can be learnt from them. Plus: an interview with the Finnish entrant of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

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Chad holds its first presidential election since the coup in 2021. Plus, a culture round-up with Fernando Augusto Pacheco. Live from London with Chris Cermak. 

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As Xi Jinping visits Europe for the first time in five years, we ask whether China or western Europe have any real interest in reviving relations. Then: UK foreign secretary David Cameron promises long-term aid during a visit to Kyiv as the US warns of chemical weapons being used by Russia. Plus: the latest business headlines and a round-up of what’s hitting cinemas this week.

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As campus clashes continue across the US, Congress looks to counter rising anti-Semitism but is it taking the right approach? Then: millions in Kazakhstan are tuning into the trial of a former government minister accused of murdering his wife. We ask whether the case could be a game-changer for domestic violence in the country. Finally, we look at the deteriorating security situation in Ecuador and this week’s edition of ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to the Netherlands. 

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Violence breaks out at US university campuses. As protesters clash and police move in, we ask what happens next. Then: Donald Trump is fined for violating his gag order, Russian election meddling lands a Moldovan governor in court and the latest from Broadway as the Tony nominations are announced. 

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How will the US aid pier on the Mediterranean coast of Gaza work? Haiti’s transitional council elects its new president and a new round of Brexit border checks takes place amid a row with Ireland over asylum seekers. Plus: fashion news with Dana Thomas.

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Ground losses on Ukraine’s battlefield come amid delays to military aid from allies, the prime minister of Spain and first minister of Scotland both face decisions about their future, and we find out how Austria is dealing with its espionage problem.

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US secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, TikTok’s parent company insists that it has no plans to sell the social-media company and Boeing burns through $4bn (€3.7bn). Plus: what to watch this weekend in our TV and film Friday wrap.

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Polish broadcaster TVP World will begin broadcasting in Russian, China doubles the presence of its military vessels in the Philippine exclusive economic zone, shares slump in Facebook’s parent company, Meta, and how the rise of artificial intelligence will have a lasting effect on how we work. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Ireland. 

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We detail the US aid package approved by Congress last night, join celebrated novelist Monica Ali as she reveals the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist and discuss why shares in Gucci’s parent company, Kering, have plunged. Plus: we talk about Caravaggio’s last painting, “The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula”. 

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UK prime minister Rishi Sunak’s bill to send illegal migrants to Rwanda has been approved in parliament – but could the courts still get in his way? Also in the programme: we have the business headlines, discuss the opening arguments of Donald Trump’s first criminal trial in New York and explore whether German and British spies for China are just the tip of the iceberg. Plus: a look at the future of Chinese-owned app TikTok. 

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After the US finally approves its latest foreign-aid package for Ukraine, we discuss how Russia might respond to a seizure of its assets to help the invaded country. Meanwhile, we look to the Philippines, where the US is launching a series of military drills in the South China Sea, and hear from a former US ambassador to Kosovo. Plus: the top stories in the Americas.

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As Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran, we consider whether this week’s escalation has come to an end. Then: the US vetoes a United Nations Security Council resolution that would recognise Palestine as a full UN member state. Plus: why there’s a private funding effort for Ukraine in Slovakia, the latest film and TV releases and a report from Milan’s Salone del Mobile.

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We look ahead to India’s elections before voters head to the polls for the six-week-long democratic exercise on Friday. Plus: we examine Germany’s arrest of two German-Russian saboteurs, bring you the second part of our special spring edition of ‘The Global Countdown’ and head back to Milan to join the Monocle team at Salone del Mobile.

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After Western allies flock to protect Israel from Iran, we look at how Ukraine, which remains highly vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks, has reacted. Plus: the Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly votes to approve Kosovo’s application for membership and a check-in from this year’s Venice Biennale. 

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As Republicans in the US House of Representatives attempt to split funding to Israel and Ukraine despite Kyiv’s urgent pleas, we look ahead to Friday’s vote. Then: as Israel’s war cabinet debates how to retaliate against Iran, the regime in Tehran assesses its own capabilities. Plus: a fire breaks out at Copenhagen’s former stock exchange and the latest business news.

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As the escalation between Israel and Iran continues, we hear the latest on the ground in Jerusalem and look at the risks of contagion in the wider region. Then, to the UK, where MPs are set to vote today on the government’s controversial Rwanda bill and, finally, to New York, where Donald Trump will become the first former US president to stand trial in a criminal case. All that, plus a report from this year’s Salone del Mobile.

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As Israel confirms that it is prepared to act both defensively and offensively if Iran were to attack, we look at US attempts at deterrence. Then: Olaf Scholz’s visit to China as he hopes to bolster Germany’s faltering economy. Plus: we hear about Europe’s battle with populism from the Delphi Economic Forum, as well as Paris’s new Olympic museum.

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Joe Biden hosts the first trilateral White House summit with Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, and president Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines. Then: outnumbered on the battlefield, Ukraine scraps demobilisation plans for long-serving soldiers. Plus: we sit down with Stefan Löfven, former prime minister of Sweden, to talk about Nato and more.    

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We discuss exit-poll results from South Korea’s national assembly elections. Plus: Monocle’s Andrew Mueller checks in from the first day of the Delphi Economic Forum, a court rules South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma is allowed to run in next month’s general election and highlights from the Miami Film Festival.

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What does David Cameron’s US charm offensive tell us about the UK’s foreign-policy strategy? Plus: we discuss whether Ireland’s new taoiseach, Simon Harris, will help to boost Fine Gael’s electoral prospects and why Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has joined Tiktok. 

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As hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets in more than 50 locations across Israel to protest Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war, we look at the mounting pressure on the government to change its strategy. Plus: will Japan be the next country to join the Aukus security pact? And why the security of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is again a cause for concern.

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The latest as Israel announces that it’s opening new routes for aid into Gaza following a warning from Joe Biden that it must protect civilians. Plus: the Czech Republic warns that Russia has made “thousands” of attempts to interfere with European rail networks. Also in the programme: why three cities are vying to be the home of Josip Broz Tito’s remains.

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As Nato celebrates its 75th anniversary, Finland and Ukraine have signed a long-term security agreement. Charly Salonius-Pasternak and Olga Tokariuk discuss the new pact and Nato’s support for Ukraine. Also in the programme: how has the Italian city of Bolzano managed to largely avoid the country’s demographic plunge? Plus: the White House instructs Nasa to develop a time zone for the moon and ‘The Global Countdown’ with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.

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A major earthquake strikes Taiwan. We discuss what this means for business as markets brace for a supply-chain aftershock. Plus: a look at the health of Nato as the alliance marks its 75th anniversary and the latest fashion news.

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Europe’s largest economy, Germany, is hit by new inflation figures. We examine what this means for the continent and the path of interest rates. Plus: The Hague hosts a conference on holding Russia to account for war crimes in Ukraine and Poland’s government investigates its predecessor’s use of Pegasus software to spy on its citizens. Also in the programme: what the closure of a small bookshop in Hong Kong means for the city and the latest entertainment news.  

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The last in a series of special live editions recorded at the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum at Expo City Dubai. Tom Edwards hosts a discussion on “the living city”, featuring insights from director of ESG and innovation Middle East and Africa at AECOM, Farah Naz; founder and director of Future Places, Juan Carlos Belloso; associate urban planner and Middle East sustainability leader at Arup, Ghaith Tibi; and Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck. 

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A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by Vincent McAviney. Plus: A flick through Latin American newspapers with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.

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A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by Georgina Godwin. Plus: Art Basel gets underway in Hong Kong.

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With Haiti facing a huge political and security crisis, we look at why Kenya is still considering coming to the nation’s aid. Plus: why cocoa prices around the world are surging and what that means for Ghanaian farmers. We also check in with Monocle’s The Chiefs conference in Hong Kong, get the latest business news and hear ‘The Global Countdown’.

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As experts recover the data recorder onboard container ship ‘Dali’, we examine why the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed so quickly. Voters in Turkey head to the polls in local elections, with president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party hoping to win back cities that it lost five years ago. Plus: the latest on the ground from Ukraine and what foreign TV is allowed to be broadcast in North Korea?

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Benjamin Netanyahu is facing major pressure over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service. Could this collapse Israel’s coalition government? Then: retired Australian Major General Mick Ryan discusses China’s military readiness for a potential invasion of Taiwan. Plus: a look at how declining fertility rates will transform the global economy and a flick through today’s Latin American papers.

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The latest in a series of special live editions recorded at the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum at Expo City Dubai. Tom Edwards hosts a discussion on heat and wellbeing in the city, featuring insights from the chief heat officer for North Dhaka, Bushra Afreen; director of Art Jameel, Antonia Carver; and Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck. Plus: Monocle meets Seafood Souq co-founder Fahim Al Qasimi.

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Jenny Mathers and Mateusz Mazzini discuss the Moscow terror attack and the reaction in Poland after a Russian missile breached Polish airspace. Plus: The latest on Senegal’s presidential election, business news and a special interview with Ambassador Mark Green, president of the Wilson Center.

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After the arrest of a major opposition politician in India, we examine why the country’s forthcoming elections might be off to an auspicious start. Then: we discuss Armenia’s efforts to cosy up to the West and head to a European aviation conference. Plus: a special report on the rise of the Communist Party in the Austrian city of Salzburg and a look at the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld as his last apartment in Paris goes up for sale.

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As US secretary of state Antony Blinken returns to the Middle East, we examine whether there’s any progress towards a ceasefire in Gaza. Then: we get the latest on a long-standing legislative fight over immigration policy in the UK and how it could affect the country’s elections. Plus: we head to Finland for a special extended edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.

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A fight over immigration between Texas and the Biden administration has become a fight between the US courts. We discuss the last-minute freezing of the state’s controversial immigration law and what comes next. Then: Senegal faces an election that will test its democracy and Hong Kong successfully tightens its security laws. Plus: a flick through the day’s papers. 

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Vladimir Milov, former advisor to the late Alexei Navalny, discusses Russia’s sham elections and the state of political dissent in the country. Plus: Moldova gears up for a referendum on EU membership, the Bank of Japan ends an era of negative interest rates and Belgian designer Dries Van Noten steps down from his label.

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The first in a series of special live editions recorded at the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum at Expo City Dubai. Tom Edwards hosts a discussion on sustainable placemaking, featuring insights from author and authority on creative cities, Charles Landry; Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck; anthropologist and director at Gehl, Sophia Schuff; and Jonathan Ashmore, founding principal of Anarchitect.

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Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the US and Germany’s criticisms of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Is the rift between Tel Aviv and its staunchest allies deepening? Plus: A look ahead at India’s election and the UK’s decision to join Asia’s trade club.

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Hamas presents a new ceasefire deal and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer calls for new elections in Israel. Gregg Carlstrom has the latest. Plus: as Russians vote in an election with no real opposition, we hear from Evgenia Kara-Murza, wife of jailed political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza.

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The US House of Representatives has approved a bill that could ban TikTok amid concerns about Chinese influence over the social media giant. Plus: the leaders of Germany, France and Poland plan a meeting to iron out their differences and ‘The Global Countdown’ goes to Brazil.

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The latest round of primary votes has set up a rematch between Joe Biden and his bombastic predecessor Donald Trump. Plus: the European Parliament votes on a landmark artificial-intelligence bill and a Japanese-made rocket fails on launch.

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The European Commission recommends that Bosnia and Herzegovina start EU accession talks, eight years after the Western Balkan country applied to join the bloc. Plus: Dutch coalition talks grind on and the latest business headlines.

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Leaders from the Caribbean regional bloc are meeting in Jamaica to discuss Haiti’s escalating gang violence. Plus: France’s far-right leads the polls ahead of the European elections and Fernando Augusto Pacheco reflects on the 2024 Academy Awards.

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Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, travels to Florida to meet with Donald Trump. Plus: Ireland votes on the definition of “family” and Japan joins military drills in France for the first time.

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We get an update on the National People’s Congress in Beijing, preview Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech and check in on the Arco Madrid contemporary art fair. Plus: a biscuits countdown special.

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We head to a viewing party in Virginia to assess Super Tuesday’s results with Simon Marks. Plus: Why the Philippines is worried about Asean’s stance on China, an interview with the head of the Munich Security Conference and the Pritzker Architecture Prize goes to Riken Yamamoto.

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We hear about the first major Nato exercises with Finland and Sweden as members, Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo gives us an update on Portugal’s elections and the uncertain future of Macy’s. Plus: What next for Austria after Sebastian Kurz’s conviction.

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Kenya considers leading a “multinational force” to crisis-hit Haiti, which has declared a state of emergency; Germany’s Olaf Scholz suffers the consequences of two major intelligence flaps; and Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council calls for an independent state. Plus: An entertainment news roundup of the Brits and Oscars with Laura Kramer.

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The US blocks a UN statement blaming Israel for Gaza aid convoy deaths, Giorgia Meloni makes her second official visit to the US and nationwide strikes in Germany bring public transport to a near standstill. Plus: Max Richter speaks to Monocle’s Robert Bound about his soundtrack for the movie ‘Spaceman'.  

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The EU’s Red Sea mission is involved in its first skirmishes, Mitch McConnell announces his departure as Republican Senate leader and an exhibition on UK-Ukraine relations at the Houses of Parliament. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ from Nigeria.

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Hamas and Israel underemphasise Joe Biden’s hopes of imminent ceasefire, why artificial intelligence is a big opportunity for the news media and the women missing from family trees lost from the history books. Plus: the latest news from the world of architecture and design.

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Joe Biden says he hopes for a truce in Gaza by next Monday as Hamas reviews a ceasefire deal. Plus: ties between Poland and Ukraine are strained as farmers’ protests continue at their border and music concerts drive a tourism boom in Singapore.

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The government of the Palestinian Authority resigns amid US pressure to improve governance of the West Bank. Plus: European leaders meet in Paris to show a united front on Ukraine and even after Nikki Haley loses to Donald Trump in her home state, why is she staying in the race to be the Republican nominee for president?

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Joe Biden will impose fresh sanctions on Russia after the death of its opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Plus: the first private space mission lands on the moon and we hear from Ukrainian journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk about her project to collect evidence of war crimes.

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Brazil hosts G20 foreign ministers and far-right leaders gather in Maryland for the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Plus: the day’s business headlines and Fernando Augusto Pacheco ranks musical biopics in ‘The Global Countdown’.

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Vladimir Putin vows to push further into Ukraine after Russian forces took the eastern town of Avdiivka over the weekend. Plus: South Africa announces its last budget before its general election in May and OneWorld opens its first airport lounge in Europe. 

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Yulia Navalnaya, wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison last week, vows to continue her husband’s work. We ask where Russia’s opposition movement can go next. Plus: Australia plans to double the size of its navy and a workers’ strike forces the Eiffel Tower to close.

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We discuss Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of her intention to run for a second term as European Commission president. Plus: Sergey Lavrov heads to Havana, reflections from the Munich Security Conference and a look at London Fashion Week.

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Russian activist and Putin critic Alexei Navalny dies in prison. Senegal’s top court rules that a decision by its president to delay a national election was unconstitutional. Plus: we check in with Nina dos Santos at the Munich Security Conference and the CEO of Farfetch steps down.

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The White House warned its allies that Russia is working on a nuclear weapon to be launched into space, US media reports. Plus: the UK’s foreign minister, David Cameron, prepares to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and Japan enters a surprise recession.

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Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, visits Egypt for the first time since the countries normalised ties. Plus: Myanmar reintroduces conscription, and the latest fashion news.

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Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group discusses mounting international pressure on Israel for a Gaza ceasefire. Plus: a look ahead to Indonesia’s presidential election and a flick through the papers with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.

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We begin the show in Pakistan where, four days after a hotly contested election, there’s still no clear indication of who will form its next government. Then we turn our focus to the US, as Donald Trump undermines Nato allies’ security. Plus: we report on the future of AM radio and our editor-in-chief checks in from the World Government Summit in Dubai.

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Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, replaces his military chief after weeks of speculation. Plus: Finns prepare to vote in a presidential election runoff, why births peak in the Year of the Dragon and Laura Kramer meets the makeup artists behind Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’.

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Pakistan cuts mobile-phone and data services as millions of voters go to the polls in a controversial election. Plus: Baghdad condemns Washington after US airstrikes, tensions escalate between Kosovo and Serbia, and Fernando Augusto Pacheco heads to Mexico for ‘The Global Countdown’.

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The latest from Israel as negotiators consider Hamas’s proposals for a ceasefire in Gaza. Plus: Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, faces a new setback to his economic reform bill, Lufthansa staff go on strike and why Thailand wants to protect its famous elephant-print trousers.

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Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, tables a raft of leftist constitutional reforms ahead of the country’s elections in June. Plus: how Turkey is rebuilding a year on from devastating earthquakes, financial troubles for Vienna’s famous Boys’ Choir and a check-in from Stockholm Design Week.

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We discuss the landslide re-election of El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele. Plus: a flick through today’s papers with Fernando Augusto Pacheco and highlights from the London Critics’ Circle Awards.

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Washington plans airstrikes on Iranian targets and sanctions Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Plus: Argentina’s congress continues its marathon debate on a sweeping economic reform bill, India’s opposition coalition falters and Japan announces a digital-nomad visa.

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European Union leaders agree on a €50bn support package for Ukraine, despite a threat by Hungary’s, prime minister, Viktor Orbán to veto new aid. Plus: why farmers’ protests are spreading across Europe, more Houthi airstrikes in the Red Sea and Fernando Augusto Pacheco’s ‘The Global Countdown’.

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Joe Biden has decided how Washington will respond to a deadly airstrike on its troops, which the White House blames on Iran-backed Syrian militia. Plus: former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan faces 14 years behind bars and Monocle’s design editor, Nic Monisse, checks in from Copenhagen International Fashion Fair.

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Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan is sentenced to 10 years in prison for leaking a confidential diplomatic cable. Samira Shackle has more details. Plus: Washington weighs its options following an airstrike that killed US troops over the weekend and Northern Ireland’s devolved parliament looks set to return.

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A Hong Kong court orders the liquidation of Chinese property giant Evergrande. Bloomberg’s Rebecca Choong Wilkins explains why it matters. Plus: after Joe Biden blames ‘Iran-backed’ militants for a deadly strike on US forces, we explore who the groups are and their ties with Tehran.

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Vladimir Putin visits Kaliningrad as Nato holds its largest military drills since the Cold War. We speak to General Sir Richard Shirreff, formerly Nato Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, about the risk of war with Russia. Plus: London walks out of trade talks with Ottawa and Finland reconsiders its strict alcohol regulations. 

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