Monocle on Saturday
Monocle on Saturday
Don’t miss the week’s most interesting stories from around the world. Join Georgina Godwin every week on Monocle on Saturday to delve into the latest global news and culture, with reports from regular guests in Monocle’s London studio and our international correspondents.Social links:
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Donald Trump’s diesel deal: Why now?
Isabel Hilton and Emma Nelson discuss Donald Trump’s new diesel deal with Russia and US sanctions against the ICC. Plus: the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing winner on the power of African literature.
36:10
The future of libraries and Abu Dhabi’s modernist architecture
Zara Khan and Georgina Godwin discuss Turkey’s economy, Kashmir’s culinary traditions and more. Plus: The Bodleian’s Richard Ovenden on libraries in the digital age and The National’s Enas Refaei on preserving Abu Dhabi’s architecture.
34:24
Panda diplomacy, Mark Zuckerberg’s glow up and the world’s oldest peace treaty
Emma Nelson and Hannah Lucinda Smith discuss diplomatic gifts, Mark Zuckerberg’s style transformation and the world’s oldest peace treaty. Plus: the best of South Tyrol at Monocle’s Zürich Autumn Market.
36:55
Can journalism survive political pressure?
Daniella Peled and Emma Nelson discuss reporting on war crimes in Ukraine, the hidden cost of war in Sudan and more. Plus: why Dubai Museum matters to Emiratis and visitors alike.
35:01
From nations to neighbours: How to change our view of conflict
Erin O’Halloran and Georgina Godwin discuss the Brics summit, Pakistan’s role in the Middle East and more. Plus: neuroscientist Dr Lotto on our view of conflict and designer Tina Charad on creating Hollywood’s visuals.
36:27
The rise of the AfD and the fall of Farage. Plus: the evolution of art fairs
Georgina Godwin and Tessa Szyszkowitz on pivotal elections in Germany, the latest Reform UK controversy and more. Plus: how the business model of London’s new art fair, Fair Play, puts artists first.
30:39
Rachel Cusk’s new novel, Germany’s latest culture war and the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
The New Statesman’s culture editor, Tanjil Rashid, and Georgina Godwin discuss the AfD’s campaign against anti-German art, Rachel Cusk’s new novel and more. Plus: Janet DeNeefe on the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026.
33:55
Live from Zürich: drought, the nuclear power debate and the Zürcher Theater Spektakel
Emma Nelson and Jessica Bridger discuss Switzerland’s nuclear power debate and how drought affects global trade. Plus: Georgina Godwin’s Scottish reading retreat. Then: What makes Zürich’s Theater Spektakel 2026 so distinctive?
30:56
Institutional accountability, climate alerts and London vs Helsinki festival culture
Charles Hecker and Georgina Godwin on Jason Arday, the UK climate alert and when to give up on a book. Plus: Petri Burtsoff on how Helsinki’s Flow Festival stands out in design and urbanism.
33:06
Zelensky in Serbia, astrotourists in Spain and a guide to the Paris flea markets
Guy De Launey and Georgina Godwin discuss Ukrainian president Zelensky’s visit to Belgrade, eclipse enthusiasts in Somosierra and more. Plus: insider knowledge of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen with expert guide, Kate van den Boogert.
31:32