The Briefing

Tractors have gathered in front of the Arc de Triomphe in a show of dissent against a European trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur. Plus: what an invasion of Taiwan would actually look like and three exhibitions to have on your radar in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donald Trump unveils his plan for Venezuela to turn over millions of oil barrels to the US, we assess how viable this ambition might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Donald Trump declare victory too soon? We analyse the next steps in Venezuela with Nick Redman of Oxford Analytica. Plus: Ukraine’s cabinet shake-up and a look-ahead to Maison&Objet in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Chermak, a senior news editor and geopolitical analyst, discusses Trump's foreign policy towards Venezuela, emphasizing a strategy focusing on oil interests over democracy. Garana Gerjic, a security correspondent, reveals how this situation strains European trust and complicates upcoming security discussions in Paris. Laura Kramer updates on the recent fire in Crans-Montana, detailing victim identifications. Isabel Hilton offers insights on China's economic positioning as it navigates challenges heading into 2026.

Tyler Brulé, editorial director of Monocle, shares insights on the tragic New Year's Eve fire in Switzerland, discussing national shock and media responses. Inzimam Rashid, Monocle's Gulf correspondent, dives into the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding Yemen, highlighting airport closures and military dynamics. Jeremy Bowen from Sirium discusses airline punctuality, revealing Aeromexico's success and challenges posed by weather and cyberattacks in achieving on-time operations.

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, shares insights on the airline's recovery and innovative strategies since 2018. He emphasizes how French hospitality enhances service quality and defends the continued investment in first class as a unique market differentiator. The discussion includes upcoming routes for La Première and the competitive landscape with Gulf carriers. Smith also tackles overflight restrictions and their impact on operations, while voicing the importance of global hubs for city competitiveness.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William P. Lauder, Chair of the board at Estée Lauder Companies and a third-generation leader, shares insights on the evolution of the beauty retail landscape. He discusses how online shopping has reshaped consumer experiences and the importance of in-store engagement during the holiday season. Lauder reveals cultural differences in shopping patterns between North America and Asia, and emphasizes the art of selling. He also explores career advancement within retail, highlighting Estee Lauder's robust training programs and strategic acquisitions to enhance product offerings.