Looking back on an extraordinary week in US politics

Charles Hecker and Emma Nelson reflect on the US midterm results and more of the week’s news. Plus: the global reach of Indian cinema.

The global impact of the US midterm elections

Georgina Godwin and Erin O’Halloran discuss Donald Trump’s attempts at voter suppression and what elections elsewhere indicate about the US midterms. Plus: the decline of chocolate and India’s publishing scene.

US midterms and Israel’s elections: Who is voting and can we trust the polls?

Simon Brooke and Emma Nelson discuss polling accuracy in the US midterms, the demographics of Israel’s election and more. Plus: we head to Lisbon for the Best Sommelier of the World 2026.

Estonia: The free world’s first line of defence

Emma Nelson and Tira Shubart discuss Donald Trump waiving Russian sanctions, the funding package for Estonia’s surveillance and more. Plus: Amyi, the Brazilian perfume brand thriving in one of the world’s biggest markets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.