

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

Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Former Iraq prime minister Nouri al-Maliki rejects US threats over potential comeback
Loveday Morris, Washington Post Baghdad reporter who covers Iraqi politics, explains Nouri al-Maliki’s contested return and regional pressures. Noman Chinbat, former Mongolian minister, describes how branding and visa changes sparked a tourism surge. Nick Dahl, Cape Town journalist, celebrates the city’s revived public pools and their community impact.

4 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 34min
ICE agents head to the Winter Olympics, a new issue of Monocle magazine and high jewellery
Noël Salmi, Zurich-based travel and culture journalist who uncovered an AI-made hot spring mishap. Brenda Toohey, Monocle luxury markets editor reporting from Paris on high jewellery and fashion week. Alexis Self, Monocle foreign editor who maps migration and work-from-abroad trends. Anita Riota, Paris-based reporter who covered the Milan/ICE controversy. They discuss ICE in Milan, Monocle’s February themes, high jewellery highlights and AI tourism blunders.

Jan 28, 2026 • 33min
Greenland and Denmark’s leaders in Paris: What’s on the menu for the working lunch with Macron?
Jaime Brito, oil markets director with Dow Jones, offers analysis on Venezuela and China’s crude buys. Jamie Prentiss, Lebanon correspondent, reports on reconstruction, financing and political hurdles. Andrew Muller, Monocle editor who reported from Nuuk, describes Macron’s working lunch, Greenlandic security, defence debates and even local cuisine. Short, topical conversations on geopolitics, finance and regional strategy.

Jan 27, 2026 • 34min
How Iranians are receiving information during a brutal crackdown on protests
Rienike van Zanten, interim director who helps exiled media bypass censorship, explains why Radio Zamané returned to shortwave and how they set up broadcasts fast. Carlotta Rebello, concise newsreader, delivers rapid headlines. Anita Menderada, aviation strategist, discusses Boeing’s culture and recovery. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Brazil specialist, covers crime, pop culture resurgences and sports prospects.

Jan 26, 2026 • 32min
Xi Jinping’s purge of high-ranking Chinese military figures continues
Steve Tsang, China expert at SOAS, analyzes high-level military removals. Naya Nathanielsen, Greenland minister, reflects on her country’s shaken mood and mineral prospects. Alexis Self, Monocle foreign editor in Nuuk, reports on international attention and diplomatic fallout. Marc Beauger, fashion columnist, recaps standout shows and a wearables-first trend in Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

Jan 23, 2026 • 34min
Where does the Nato military alliance go from here?
Oana Lungescu, a former NATO chief spokesperson, discusses the recent de-escalation regarding Greenland and NATO’s shifting focus on Arctic security. Ariel Childs shares insights into rebranding Great Britain’s America’s Cup team, highlighting the design choices influenced by maritime history. Fernando Pacheco analyzes this year’s Academy Award nominations, emphasizing the record-breaking recognition for 'Sinners' and the notable presence of international films. The conversation offers a fascinating look at military, creative, and cinematic landscapes.

6 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 49min
Live from Davos: Albin Kurti, the prime minister of Kosovo, and day four of the WEF
Albin Kurti, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, shares his aspirations for economic growth and EU integration while highlighting Kosovo’s accomplishments at Davos. He discusses the importance of rule of law and engaging youth in democracy. Rob Cox provides insight into the significance of political messaging at the World Economic Forum, particularly around the reactions to high-profile speeches, including those by world leaders like Zelensky. Together, they explore how Kosovo's growth and stability play a role in the broader Western Balkans context.

Jan 21, 2026 • 27min
Live from Davos: Trump touches down and markets react to geopolitics
Join Marcus de Maier, Editor at Handelszeitung, for sharp insights on European reactions to Davos speeches. Ulrike Hoffman-Bocardi, a strategy expert from UBS, dives into AI's impact on global markets and fiscal policies. Ewan Potts from Bloomberg reveals how geopolitical tensions shape investor behavior. Lastly, Parag Khanna, founder of Alpha Geo, discusses Davos's role as a 'pop-up city' and the new multipolar world order emerging from these global conversations.

10 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 32min
Live from Davos: WEF gets underway, what makes a strong passport and redefining the office
Jessica Bridger, a savvy contributor at Monocle and WEF regular, shares on-the-ground insights from Davos. She delves into the evolving dynamics of the guest list and the shift from dialogue to candid debate among leaders. Sue Asprey-Price from JLL emphasizes how workspaces can enhance performance, spotlighting the importance of community and amenities. In a unique twist, the conversation also touches on the value of strong passports, the rising trend of multiple citizenships, and the colorful aesthetics of global passports.

Jan 19, 2026 • 32min
Trump tells Norway’s PM he is no longer obligated ‘to think purely of peace’. Plus: a Milan Fashion Week Men’s preview
Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, shares insights on Trump's controversial Greenland tariff and its impact on EU relations. Carlotta Ribello reports live from Davos, highlighting the tech scene and heightened security. Vijay Guntur, CTO of HCL Tech, discusses the transformative role of AI in society and the importance of responsible technology. Fashion expert Fernando Augusto Pacheco previews Milan Fashion Week, focusing on menswear trends and the resurgence of department stores. It's a lively discussion on politics, technology, and fashion!


