The Briefing
News & Politics
About
A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by a Monocle editor. The show features informed reporting, prescient business analysis and invaluable industry reports covering everything from technology to aviation and retail to media.
Episodes
- Is Russia looking to end the war or escalate it?
We explore how Europe is responding to Russia’s latest large-scale attack on Ukraine. Then: what will the world look like after the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is over? Plus: South African music lands in Kyoto. See omnystudi…
- On stage for Emmanuel Macron’s viral moment in Kenya
We speak with Marie Lora-Mungai, who was on stage in Nairobi when French president Emmanuel Macron implored the audience to show respect, about the viral moment and the future of Africa’s creative industries. Plus: the latest from th…
- Ukraine-Russia ceasefire ends but Kyiv’s renewed confidence continues
Ukraine pushes for an airport ceasefire after its three-day truce with Russia comes to an end. Plus: Katharine Hayhoe on how climate scientists maintain their optimism in the face of the Trump administration. See omnystudio.com/listener fo…
- Is it all over for Keir Starmer? The cabinet faces questions
Cabinet members are asked to pledge support for embattled UK prime minister Keir Starmer. Plus: redistricting battles heat up in the US, Thaksin Shinawatra is released from prison and Sweden’s Eurovision entry. See omnystudio.com/lis…
- Trump rejects Iran’s peace proposal
An end to the Iran war looks unlikely as Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu refuse to entertain Tehran’s demands. Then: a taste of Corsican food in Paris. Plus: the case for Australia Fashion Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr…
- Trump’s global 10 per cent tariffs ruled illegal as he pushes for an EU-trade deal
We discuss what next for Donald Trump’s tariffs as he is pushed back for a second time by a US trade court. Then: protests over Russia at the Venice Biennale. Plus: the latest cultural news. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…
- Can Marco Rubio smooth things over with Pope Leo XIV and Giorgia Meloni?
The US secretary of state is in Rome for talks with Pope Leo XIV and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, two leaders whose relations with US president Donald Trump have soured. Can Marco Rubio revive them? See omnystudio.com/listener fo…
- Does the end of ‘Project Freedom’ point to peace? Plus: Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire’s Paris
As Donald Trump backs down from ‘Project Freedom’, Andrew Mueller weighs the likelihood of peace and what it would look like. Plus: Grace Charlton on Paris under its new mayor and a shocking trend. See omnystudio.com/listener f…
- Is the ceasefire in Lebanon all but over?
As Israel ramps up its killing in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, we discuss where things could go next. Then: Merz a year on, Romania’s vote of no-confidence and the Venice Biennale. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva…
- Trump announces ‘Project Freedom’ and Zambia cancels world’s largest human rights and tech conference
We discuss Donald Trump’s new plan for the US military to guide stranded ships through the strait of Hormuz. Then: Zambia cites misalignment with ‘national values’ as it cancels major human rights gathering See omnystudio…
- Trump threatens troop withdrawal in Europe
We discuss the US-Europe security relationship as Donald Trump threatens to pull troops from Italy and Spain after making the same threat to Germany. Is an increasingly antagonistic Trump accelerating European military independence? …
- Pete Hegseth defends Iran war – and calls his critics the true adversary
We discuss US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s congressional hearing and the broader Iran strategy, plus interest rate decisions in Washington and Frankfurt. Then: ‘The Entrepreneurs’ live in Shanghai and ‘The Globa…
- How healthy is the special relationship? Assessing King Charles III’s speech to Congress
King Charles III emphasises the need for stronger UK-US ties in an address to Congress. Then: could the EU put sanctions on Israel over the purchase of Ukrainian grain? Plus: the latest from the world of business. See omnystudio.com/…
- Will Canada’s sovereign wealth fund bolster its economy in the face of Trump’s tariffs?
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney announces a government-owned fund to invest in projects including energy, mining and other infrastructure. We look at the details. Plus: global military spending rises for an 11th year. See omnystudio.co…
- Palestinians vote in Gaza for the first time in 20 years
We look at the results of the municipal elections in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah and the occupied West Bank. Plus: security questions after the White House correspondents’ dinner shooting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
- Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire after White House talks
Donald Trump has announced a three-week extension to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire but questions remain over a deal between the US and Iran. Plus: the latest from Monocle at Salone del Mobile and the Delphi Economic Forum. See omnystudio.co…
- Trump in the polls: the domestic impact of US foreign policy
With six months until the US midterms, we take a look at domestic polls to assess how the Trump administration’s actions are playing out at home. Plus: what’s on the agenda at the Delphi Economic Forum and World Book Day. See o…
- Planes, trains and ferries: How the Iran war is affecting travel
We look at how energy prices are affecting global travel and opening up options beyond flights. Plus: the latest on the US-Iran ceasefire extension with questions continuing over the next round of talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…
- Lula in Lisbon: what’s on the agenda?
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is ending his European trip by meeting Portugal’s president, António José Seguro. We discuss the two nations’ relations. Plus: Has the US lost its shine…
- Are US-Iran peace talks still on the table?
Days before the ceasefire ends, the US has seized an Iranian vessel as Tehran downplays the prospect of peace talks. What is the path forward? Then: We head to Milan for Salone del Mobile and talk Watches and Wonders. See omnystudio.com/li…
- How tourism in the UAE is staying resilient despite the Iran war
Almost seven weeks since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran, the Emirati city of Ras al-Khaimah is taking a cautious yet effective approach to its day-to-day business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Live from Sharjah: The UAE’s start-ups look beyond the conflict
Our team in Sharjah discusses the Iran war’s impact on start-ups in the UAE. Plus: the latest Nordic news and what’s topping music charts in the emirates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Live from Dubai: The state of tourism and education in the Gulf
Our team in Dubai hears from tourism and education voices dealing with conflict in the Gulf region. Plus: Donald Trump turns on Giorgia Meloni. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Live from Abu Dhabi: Lebanese and Israeli officials set to meet in Washington for the first time in decades
Hezbollah has urged Lebanon to pull out of US-brokered talks with Israel. We speak to the Israeli ambassador to the UAE. Plus: the world’s biggest wine fair in Verona and we chat design in Abu Dhabi. See omnystudio.com/listener for p…
- The US prepares to launch Iranian port blockade within hours and Viktor Orbán defeated in Hungary
Following the failure of talks between Washington and Tehran, we discuss why Donald Trump’s next move is a blockade of Iranian ports. Plus, Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, concedes defeat at the polls. See omnyst…
- The view from Beirut on Israel’s deadly strikes. And: Hungary’s pivotal elections
Israel has killed more than 300 people in Lebanon since the ceasefire. We head to Beirut for the latest. Then: Europe watches on as Hungary heads to the polls. Plus: New York City mayor Mamdani’s first 100 days. See omnystudio.com/li…
- US-Iran ceasefire tested by deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon
Fractures emerge in the US-Iran ceasefire as Tehran demands an end to attacks in Lebanon while Washington says that wasn’t part of the deal. Plus: the DNC meet in New Orleans and this week’s ‘The Global Countdown’.&…
- Keir Starmer heads to the Gulf after the US and Iran agree to a ceasefire
We discuss reactions to the 11th-hour ceasefire between Iran and the US as the UK prime minister prepares to meet Gulf leaders for discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Trump’s Iran deadline approaches and JD Vance visits Hungary to bolster Victor Orbán’s election chances
There’s little sign of a breakthrough as US president Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to agree a deal or face devastating infrastructure attacks looms. Plus: Orbán faces a tough election, will a visit by US vice-preside…
- Asia’s worsening fuel crisis: a sign of what’s to come for Europe?
As the US-Israel war on Iran continues to send shockwaves across oil markets, we discuss how Asia is coping and what it might mean for Europe. Then: elections in Latin America and newspapers from Switzerland. See omnystudio.com/liste…
- Is Donald Trump starting to fire his cabinet?
Could the departure of Pam Bondi herald the start of a greater cabinet reshuffle? Plus: a look at life on the Ukrainian frontlines with Anastacia Galouchka, and Asia news with Tom Webb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- How would ending birthright citizenship change American society?
In a presidential first, Donald Trump attended the Supreme Court hearing on the changes to birthright citizenship that his administration is pushing for. Will the conservative-majority justices rule against him? See omnystudio.com/listener…
- Ukraine’s Easter truce proposal and Israel’s death-penalty bill for Palestinians
Ukraine marks a grim anniversary in Bucha and pledges an Easter ceasefire. Then: international outcry over Israel’s new death-penalty bill for Palestinians. Plus: Nic Monisse with some exciting design news. See omnystudio.com/listene…
- Iran hits Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai – are energy targets now fair game?
Iran appears to be calling Donald Trump’s bluff by reportedly striking a Kuwaiti oil. Are energy targets now on the table? Plus: London looks to revitalise its fashion-capital status. And: Eurovision heads east. See omnystudio.com/li…
- A new front in the Middle East as Houthis enter the conflict
Iran-backed Houthis have launched missiles against Israel. We discuss their control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and how their involvement could change the conflict. Plus: artist Tim Yip on his show at Art Basel Hong Kong. See omny…
- Marco Rubio arrives at the G7 as Trump lashes out at allies
Who has the upper hand at the G7 as US secretary of state Marco Rubio arrives to garner support for military action in Iran while allies push for answers on how the conflict will end? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- The Philippines becomes the first country to declare a state of emergency over the global energy crisis
Protests break out in the Philippines over fuel shortages. We discuss the spreading impact of the Middle East conflict. Then: mixed messages on Iran negotiations continue. Plus: this week’s episode of ‘The Global Countdown&rsqu…
- The true state of US-Iran negotiations amid conflicting reports from Tehran, Washington and Islamabad
Pakistan offers to host US-Iran peace talks while Iranian officials warn “no one like us will make a deal”. Plus: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen resigns after weak election results and a Japanese pop icon. See omnystudio.com…
- Israel to hold a ‘security zone’ in the south of Lebanon
Israel promises to continue its campaign in Lebanon. What does it have planned for the country’s south now that a ‘security zone’ has been announced? Plus: Asia oil markets, Italy’s referendum results and Monocle at…
- A new mayor in Paris: who is Emmanuel Grégoire?
We discuss the winners and losers from France’s municipal elections in Paris, Marseille and across the country. Then: a narrow victory for Slovenia’s incumbent liberal prime minister. Plus: inside Konfekt’s spring issue.…
- The scramble to take energy infrastructure off the hit list in the Middle East
We discuss the damage from strikes in Iran and the Gulf, and whether Israel’s promise to stop targeting Iranian gas fields will do anything to reassure the region. Then: was Sanae Takaichi’s meeting with Trump a success? …
- All talk? The European Council convenes in Brussels amid global disruption
We discuss the aims of the European Council Summit at a crucial juncture. Plus: Thailand embraces stability as a new prime minister is appointed and what we can learn from the world’s happiest nation? See omnystudio.com/listener for…
- Zelensky in Europe as focus shifts to Iran
We discuss how Volodymyr Zelensky is working to put Ukraine back on the agenda as he lands in Madrid after meetings in London and Paris. Plus: Frank McCourt on reclaiming your digital identity and the latest Swiss news. See omnystudio.com/…
- Trump delays direct talks with Xi as the Iran war rages on
As the US president postpones a high-stakes summit with China’s leader, we discuss the mutual strategies at play. Then: France’s municipal election results and Lucas Santtana’s new album, ‘Brasiliano’. S…
- Can the US rely on its allies in the war in Iran?
Trump warns Nato that it must assist the US to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Can he rely on the US’s allies after a year of berating them? Plus: the surge in oil markets continues. Then: we take stock of the Oscars. See omnystudio.com…
- The future of the far right in Germany. And: The winner of the Pritzker Prize
We discuss what’s next for Alternative for Germany after a court rules that the party cannot be labelled as an “extremist” group. Plus: an interview with Giorgos Karampelas, creative director of K-Studio, at Mipim 2026. S…
- Iran steps up attacks in the Gulf as oil prices jump
We discuss how increased attacks across the region are pushing energy prices back up despite a historic release of reserves. Plus: Amanda Driehorst, strategy and sales manager at Schindler, on innovation in “vertical” home mobi…
- Turkey’s mass corruption trial gets under way
Istanbul’s mayor is among hundreds facing corruption charges in a trial that his party says is politically motivated. Plus: Paris Fashion Week highlights and we speak to Hyatt’s Felicity Black-Roberts at Mipim. See omnystudio.c…
- How the war in Iran is changing Qatar’s global standing. And: urban festival Mipim
We head to Doha as Qatar warns of dramatic global consequences if the war with Iran continues. Then: elections in Colombia. Plus: we’re off to Cannes to hear about the latest in affordable housing. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…
- Mark Carney on the attractiveness of Canada’s military
Part two of Tyler Brûlé’s interview with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney. Plus: we delve into the appointment of the late Ayatollah Khamenei’s son and consider what it will mean for Iran’s ongoing war wit…