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
Jul 25, 2025 • 33min
World leaders divided as France plans to recognise Palestinian state
French president Emmanuel Macron’s decision to formally recognise a Palestinian state draws sharp criticism from Israel and the US, while garnering support from several European and Arab leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2025 • 44min
Thai and Cambodian troops clash amid fears of widening regional conflict
Deadly escalations at the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border fuel fears that violence could spill into a broader conflict. Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, has the latest from Bangkok. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 23, 2025 • 38min
Zelensky faces pressure at home as Istanbul hosts talks between Ukraine and Russia
We discuss the fallout from protests in Ukraine after president Zelensky signed a bill that critics say undermines anti-corruption bodies. As Kyiv and Moscow meet in Istanbul, will Ukraine’s internal strife affect negotiations? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 22, 2025 • 31min
Ukraine-Russia peace talks loom and will Japan’s election affect its defence?
Ukraine-Russia peace talks set for tomorrow and what does a ‘Japanese First’ approach mean for defence? Plus: North Korea’s new beach resort struggles to attract visitors and Spain reforms its Franco-era Official Secrets Law. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 21, 2025 • 35min
Ukraine’s Zelensky pushes for peace and Brazil’s Bolsonaro gets an ankle tag
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky asks for peace negotiations to restart; former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro to wear an ankle tag; and the Philippines’ president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, visits Washington. Plus: the latest fashion news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 18, 2025 • 36min
Germany enters a new European security era
Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, resets UK relations but tussles with Brussels’ budget. Plus: Milan’s mayoral woes, the UK lowers the voting age and how Superman overcame an attempted Maga backlash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 17, 2025 • 31min
Trump turns his attention to the Gulf
President Trump hosted Qatar’s prime minister and Bahrain’s Crown Prince, reinforcing a growing diplomatic push in the Gulf. We discuss the strategy and why US engagement with the region is intensifying.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 16, 2025 • 33min
Trump hosts Qatar’s prime minister amid Gaza-ceasefire efforts
Qatar’s prime minister joins the US president for dinner as the push for a ceasefire in Gaza continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 15, 2025 • 32min
Air India investigation prompts aviation authorities in at least two countries to check Boeing fuel switches
We discuss the latest from the Air India crash investigation as the country’s aviation regulator tells its airlines to inspect the fuel switches on several Boeing planes, despite US regulators insisting that they’re safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 14, 2025 • 32min
Bastille Day military parade yields Macron promises on defence spending
France’s president pledges to double defence spending by 2027 as Paris prepares for its Bastille Day parade at a time when Russia continues to pummel Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
