The Briefing
Monocle
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
Mentioned books
Dec 16, 2025 • 28min
The international community weighs in on the Bondi shooting and Thailand’s next election
As Australia reels from the shooting in Bondi beach, how is it being seen globally? Plus: Thailand calls for fresh elections and the new plans for Dracula Land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2025 • 32min
Is Gaza’s US-brokered ceasefire moving ahead or failing?
Nada Al-Tahar shares on-the-ground insights about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, discussing roadblocks to the US-imposed ceasefire. Shaina Loh highlights the dire conditions, mentioning flooding and urgent needs for aid. Ewan Potts warns of financial risks in AI infrastructure investments. Dr. Sin Sam provides a Cambodian perspective on the Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, emphasizing historical tensions and calls for international mediation. Meanwhile, Natalie Theodosi shares stylish winter gift ideas, blending fashion with the season's spirit.
Dec 11, 2025 • 32min
Fresh crisis in Yemen threatens to split the Gulf region
Inzamam Rashid, Monocle’s Gulf correspondent, breaks down the growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in southern Yemen, highlighting the UAE's strategic interests in ports and oil. Stu Wu, a tech reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discusses the implications of Trump's approval for NVIDIA's chip exports to China and the ongoing U.S.-China AI competition. Lastly, Grace Charlton offers stylish holiday fashion tips that blend runway trends and seasonal flair, ensuring listeners are party-ready with three distinct looks.
Dec 10, 2025 • 32min
Is the transatlantic relationship facing a major crisis?
As the US president labels European leaders as “weak”, we discuss what lies ahead for the transatlantic alliance. Plus: the winner of the Turner Prize is announced and the best Christmas presents from the world of print. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 9, 2025 • 27min
Thailand and Cambodia’s border feud escalates and the latest in urban-mobility design
We get the latest from Bangkok as the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia turn deadly. Is de-escalation possible? Then: We weigh in on Saiki, Belgrade and Paris’s latest rail revamps. Plus: What can Miami teach the world about design? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 8, 2025 • 30min
European leaders huddle with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky
The Ukrainian president is in London for another high-stakes meeting after Donald Trump accused him of being less co-operative than Vladimir Putin. Plus: Slovenia’s Eurovision boycott and one year of Syria without Bashar al-Assad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 5, 2025 • 30min
Germany and France’s generational split over pensions. Plus: four nations boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation
Pensions continue to be an ongoing source of political instability in Germany and France, we unpack why. Then: Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation. Plus: we meet Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, at ILTM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 4, 2025 • 33min
The Dominican Republic: Caught between Trump’s America and Venezuela’s Maduro
The Dominican Republic has allowed the US military to operate on its territory as the Trump administration prepares for further strikes on Venezuela. We get the view from the ground in Santo Domingo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 3, 2025 • 39min
The Gulf states look towards a joint defensive strategy at the 46th GCC summit
As Gulf leaders convene for the 46th GCC summit during a tense time for the region, we discuss what role the US could play in a joint defence plan. Plus: Design Miami, how taxes might have birthed civilisation and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 2, 2025 • 27min
LVMH and Armani appoint new boards, and the far right in South America
Luxury fashion groups LVMH and Armani look to the future as they shuffle their boards. Plus: what can recent elections tell us about the state of the far right in South America? Then: we’re live from Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
