Emma Nelson takes on Rob Bound in the weekly quiz and Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton round up their week at Salone del Mobile. Plus: An alternative look at the recent news cycle.

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As more ships are seized in and around the Strait of Hormuz and an uneasy ceasefire continues, our panel assesses which countries are best equipped – politically and economically – to withstand the shocks that continue to reverberate around the world.

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We explore US president Donald Trump’s ceasefire extension and how Iran has seemingly managed to control much of the narrative without even attending talks in Islamabad – and also through an extraordinary amount of memes.

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Hungary is poised to end its blockade of an EU loan for Ukraine while Sweden suggests that Russia is hiding its economic troubles. Plus: auditions for the next United Nations secretary general begin in New York. Then: an interview with Venetian chef Simon Piovesan.

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After Keir Starmer pleads ignorance over Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting, how long can he survive as UK leader? We explore Europe’s changing democratic landscape. Plus: Horse-meat pies have become a menu staple in Auckland.

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Rob Bound and Andrew Mueller quiz each other on this week’s headlines. Then: a design perspective on Donald Trump’s Jesus memes and what to see at the the world’s leading trade fair for furniture and interiors.

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France and the UK are to meet with “non-belligerent” countries to discuss how best to police the waterway after a ceasefire. How will excluding the US play out? Plus: the UK rejoins the EU’s Erasmus exchange scheme.

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The first meeting between officials since 1993 but will diplomacy make a difference? We discuss what can be achieved as Lebanon and Israel agree to direct negotiations, while attacks between Hezbollah and Israel continue. Plus: Democrats want JD Vance to help oust Trump and Hungary’s Péter Magyar comes out swinging.

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