The Monocle Daily – Episode Summary

Date: 22 October 2025
Host: Andrew Muller
Guests: Elizabeth Braw (Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council), Stephen DL (Russia Analyst), Maisie Ringer (Monocle Contributor)

Overview

This episode centers around three geopolitical flashpoints: Russia’s increased investment in propaganda and the Ukraine war, US diplomatic maneuverings in Israel/Palestine, and the EU's response to the rise of the far right. It closes with a journey into the world of heritage crafts and the modern-day artisans striving to keep tradition alive.

Key Topics and Insights

1. Russia, Ukraine, and Western Strategies (04:07–12:50)

Russian Rocket Attacks and Stalled Diplomacy

• Russia launched fresh missile salvos at Kyiv and Kharkiv, causing civilian casualties. The attacks illustrate the conflict’s “force of habit” and lack of strategic innovation.

• The cancelled US–Russia summit in Budapest is linked to a breakdown in negotiation, with Trump claiming Russia wouldn’t agree to halt advances. The panel doubts such summits would ever yield substantive results under these leaders.

  “Just because Donald Trump says something doesn't mean it isn't true.”
  — Andrew Muller, (07:53)

Ukraine’s Defense Evolution

• Elizabeth notes Ukraine’s major deal to purchase 150 Swedish Gripen E fighter jets, reflecting Europe’s need to bolster self-reliance as US support wavers.

• Stephen emphasizes the urgency for Europe to step up with both materiel and financial support, including the long-stalled use of frozen Russian assets.

  “We know now that in the west we cannot rely on Trump coming up with any weaponry or any real help for Ukraine… The Europeans really do have to step up.”
  — Stephen DL (06:25)

The Politics of War as National Identity

• Stephen observes that, under Putin, “war is the new national idea,” perpetuating a siege mentality, even as Russian society tightens its belt and endures shortages.

• Both he and Elizabeth warn of the challenges in winding down war—issues of accountability, demobilization, and domestic ramifications loom large.

  “If only the Romans had come up with electricity, then they'd have been away and who knows where we'd be now?”
  — Stephen DL, reflecting on cycles of progress and setback (02:32)

2. US–Israel–Palestine: Ceasefire and Competing Interests (12:50–20:01)

Ceasefire Fragility and US Diplomatic Pressure

• US VP J.D. Vance, visiting Jerusalem, asserts optimism about the ceasefire, even as it has been breached by both parties.

• The guests contextualize post-ceasefire skirmishes as common, but observe that Trump is keen to keep the ceasefire alive—possibly seeking Nobel recognition.

  “He is obviously a transactional man. And what he wants is, as we all know, to be seen as having brokered peace.”
  — Elizabeth Braw (20:01)

Prospect of Gaza International Security Force

• Vance floated disarming Hamas and introducing an international security force, but the panel notes the vagueness about how and by whom such tasks would be accomplished. Indonesia and Pakistan are conceivable contributors but would require strong guarantees.

  “Trump’s talk about an eternal peace is complete nonsense because there is so much anger and resentment...”
  — Stephen DL (18:02)

Political Calculus for Netanyahu and Putin

• Both leaders are described as being locked into their wartime strategies; for Netanyahu, peace may mean facing severe domestic political and legal consequences.

3. The EU’s Anti-Far-Right Dilemma (21:36–27:46)

The Institutional Challenge

• The European Council is set to discuss the growing populist far right, a force now influential enough to reach the Council itself.
• Andrew notes the bleak historical irony and questions if “letting the populists govern” is the only real antidote.

The Populist Playbook and Mainstream Missteps

• Elizabeth argues fixing policy issues (housing, immigration) won’t satisfy or quiet populists, who thrive on anger and “alternative facts.”

• Both guests emphasize the vacuum of charismatic, inspirational mainstream leadership.

  “Populists… don’t play fair, they use so called alternative facts. Even if you fix housing, they'll continue exaggerating any state of affairs.”
  — Elizabeth Braw (24:47)

• Stephen suggests lingering societal anger, much of it stemming from the unresolved aftermath of COVID lockdowns, continues to fuel far-right support.

4. Social Media, AI Slop, and Public Disenchantment (27:46–33:05)

Are We Turning Away?

• Recent studies suggest Generation Z may be moderating their social media use, possibly due to growing dissatisfaction with algorithmic noise and misinformation.

• Elizabeth notes a subtle shift toward analog activities (“more books on the Tube”), while Stephen is skeptical the trend is substantial.

  “Yes, I would [pull the plug on social media], because it's not social, it's media, but it makes us antisocial.”
  — Elizabeth Braw (31:26)

• Both guests agree the democratization of publishing on social media blurs the line between journalism and personal opinion, often with negative effects.

5. The Endangered World of Heritage Crafts (33:05–41:23)

Are Traditional Skills Dying or Adapting?

Report by Maisie Ringer

• In the UK, 72 crafts are now “critically endangered.” We meet Dominic Perrette, a basket maker, who distances himself from the romantic label “heritage,” emphasizing sustainability and the joy of making.

• Social media has paradoxically helped connect new generations to old skills. Younger people are increasingly interested, even if money is scarce in these trades.

  “If you lose these skills, then you lose that kind of constant connection with the land and the functionality of all these things.”
  — Dominic Perrette (35:02)

• From Istanbul, Tezhip artist Nagahan Seymour credits the internet for reviving and globalizing once-obscure crafts, seeing the movement as a response to the frantic pace of modern life.

  “I think life is in a very quick pace right now and sometimes we feel like we need to slow down.”
  — Nagahan Seymour (37:30)

• At Japan House London, Simon Wright highlights Japan’s proactive strategies in preserving crafts, noting full audiences of largely young attendees keen for authenticity and connection with tradition.

  “There’s a fascination, I think, with handcraft, especially in this digital age… More and more people are wanting something analog as an antidote.”
  — Simon Wright (39:40)

• The segment closes with the hopeful message that these crafts are not obsolete, but rather alive, evolving, and resonating with new generations worldwide.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Russia’s New National Idea:
  “War is the new national idea.” – Stephen DL (09:30)

• On Social Media:
  “What could possibly go wrong? And we dare hope…” – Elizabeth Braw (28:33)

• On the Resurgence of Craft:
  “The heritage thing, it is important because… if you lose these skills, then you lose that kind of constant connection with the land.” – Dominic Perrette (35:02)

• On Populism:
  “There is a large number of people who just kind of enjoy being angry. They like the drama, they do.” – Andrew Muller (24:47)
  “I think what traditional parties … need are compelling public speakers … to get people excited about mainstream politics.” – Elizabeth Braw (25:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:07 — Ukraine's Gripen jets, defense innovation in Europe
• 05:03 — Russian missile barrage, US-Russia summit collapse
• 07:53 — Trump’s diplomacy style and unpredictability
• 12:50 — Gaza ceasefire, Vance meets Netanyahu, prospects for peace
• 21:36 — EU’s anti-far-right council agenda
• 27:46 — Decline of social media enthusiasm & generational habits
• 33:05 — Feature report: endangered traditional crafts in the UK, Turkey, and Japan

Tone and Takeaways

The conversation blends sharp analysis and occasional wit, keeping complex geopolitical topics accessible. There’s a sobering realism about the challenges facing Ukraine, the intractability of Middle Eastern peace, and European disunity. The lighter second half, focusing on digital fatigue and craft revivals, is hopeful about humanity’s need for authenticity and connection.

This episode is essential listening for those interested in how global politics, technology, and culture intersect and the ways both tradition and innovation remain vital in uncertain times.