The view from Washington as contentious nuclear talks between the US and Iran begin in Oman. Then: we assess the impact of Trump’s new critical-minerals strategy on Asia. Plus: as the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan, we hear about some of this year’s unlikely competitors.

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Almost three-quarters of the world’s population lives under autocratic rulers according to Human Rights Watch. We discuss this ‘democratic recession’. Then: the final day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ from Puerto Rico.

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We hear from Monocle’s team at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Then: Yuan Potts brings us the latest in the world of business. Plus: NYC’s first sauna festival, Culture of Bathe-ing.

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France’s prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, gets a budget passed after months of deadlock. Then: Monocle in Dubai for the World Governments Summit. Plus: Is China’s luxury market in recovery?

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Israel accepts Gaza health authority’s death-toll figures in U-turn, as the Rafah border crossing tentatively reopens to Palestinians. Plus: Germany’s public-transport workers strike and the Melania documentary falls short.

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Donald Trump has warned Iraq that it would lose all American support if controversial former prime minister Al-Maliki retakes office. Plus: a tourism uptick in Mongolia and Cape Town’s public pool upgrades.

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Milan’s mayor has said that ICE agents are not welcome in his city for the Winter Games. Plus: we look at Monocle’s February issue and hear about high jewellery in Paris, AI tourism blunders and ‘The Global Countdown’.

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France hosts the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. Then: the future of Lebanon’s economy amid new investments. Plus: how is China’s oil market changing in light of Maduro’s arrest? And: Monocle design and fashion highlights.

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