King Charles, Jordan Bardella and our royal fascination

The Monocle Daily explores the enduring fascination with monarchy in modern geopolitics, beginning with King Charles III's state visit to the United States to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution—a symbolic gesture that underscores the UK's diplomatic reliance on royal symbolism. Host Andrew Muller and guests Marta Lorimer and Elizabeth Braw discuss how the UK leverages its monarchy as a unique diplomatic asset, especially in relation to Donald Trump, who reportedly enjoys royal company. The episode also examines the political implications of Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally, dating Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, questioning whether this romantic entanglement is a calculated political move or genuine affection. Meanwhile, the show turns to Germany’s ambitious military buildup, analyzing its strategic necessity, technological risks, and the challenge of conscription in a post-Cold War Europe. A lighter segment explores Japan’s trend of spending the night on stationary trains, framed as a post-event social ritual. Finally, the episode delves into the 'madman theory' in U.S. foreign policy, tracing its evolution from Nixon to Trump, and debates whether irrational posturing can be a credible strategic tool—or a self-destructive gamble.