Are the world’s authoritarians getting better at working together?

Are authoritarian regimes joining forces? Plus: Russia’s last free newspaper closes; the Texas midterms; South Africa votes; and a Bangladeshi factory that won the Riba International Prize.

A nation on strike: How Italy’s growing unrest is putting Giorgia Meloni under pressure

As Italy faces another day of nationwide protests, we examine how today’s mobilisation compares with the demonstrations earlier this month and the potential impact on Giorgia Meloni. Plus: the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Defence in Space 2026 conference. 

The aftermath of Spain’s high-speed collision and how to keep confidence in rail travel alive

Spain wrestles with the fallout of a major rail disaster and reflects on broader lessons for the industry. Then: our US midterm series heads to Alaska. And: a look at our favourite Halloween films.

With no clear winner in Israel’s election, what happens next?

As exit polls fail to identify a winner in Israel’s election, we get the latest from the region. Then: our midterm series in Maine. And: can scientists really make it rain? Plus: we hear from Artsy and Artnet CEO Jeffrey Yin.

Israel votes: Can Benjamin Netanyahu hold on to power?

Israelis head to the polls. Can Benjamin Netanyahu stay in power despite mounting criticism over his handling of the October attacks and their aftermath? We examine what’s at stake in this crucial election.

Brazil has made its choice. What comes next for Latin America’s biggest economy?

Brazil’s verdict is in: what changes now? Plus: Oxford Street goes pedestrian, the papers with Nina dos Santos and why Joshua Cooper Ramo thinks that the US and China can’t afford to be enemies.

What should Macron’s strategy be as France braces itself for more protests?

Paris prepares for more protests but what should those preparations look like? Then: why will Serbia’s upcoming elections be so consequential for Europe? Plus: Korean speaker wars resume and Monocle’s new ‘Design Directory’.   

What are the US midterm elections and why do they matter?

Monocle’s no-nonsense guide to the midterm elections is here. Then: Canada’s prime minister visits Turkey while Oman’s sultan heads to the UK. Plus: the Art Basel and Design Miami Paris editions.

Peace negotiations in Oslo and tear gas in Milan: Can Europe find its way through conflict?

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky meets US representatives in Oslo amid a deepening rift between Kyiv and Washington. Then: police face off with protestors across Europe – is any government getting its response right? 

Can there be peace in Ukraine without Kyiv at the table?

Vladimir Putin proposes peace talks with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, leaving Ukraine and Europe out of the picture. What does this mean for peace? Plus: Japan’s evolving security strategy, and unrest in Mauritius.