The Briefing

Gorana Grgić, Monocle's security correspondent, discusses a startling security breach where sensitive U.S. military plans were mistakenly sent to a journalist, raising alarms about international relations. Meanwhile, Chiara Mella highlights fresh trends in the food and drink industry, from mid-strength beverages to innovative restaurant marketing in the age of social media. The conversation weaves through themes of press freedom challenges in Turkey and the dynamics of global diplomacy, making for an engaging and thought-provoking listen.

Journalist Ruth Michaelson, reporting from Istanbul, dives into the ongoing protests in Turkey sparked by the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the main political rival to President Erdogan. She highlights the demands for democracy and the implications for the upcoming elections amidst a government crackdown on dissent. Ruth also discusses the international reaction to these developments and the potential impact on Erdogan's rule. Plus, brief insights on Brazil-Japan relations and interesting conversations from the ongoing Nordic Happiness Summit.

Chris Cermak, Monocle's senior news editor, delves into Germany's groundbreaking constitutional change that allows for a significant increase in defense and infrastructure spending. He discusses the historical context and implications of Germany’s new fiscal strategy amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The conversation also touches on chaos at Heathrow Airport due to a fire, the diplomatic tensions following South Africa's ambassador expulsion from the US, and insights into the world of photographer Martin Parr with a new documentary highlighting his work.

As Canada strengthens ties with Europe’s defence industry, Monocle’s Toronto correspondent, Tomos Lewis, joins Chris Cermak to discuss rumours that Canadians now want to officially join the bloc. Plus: the death toll mounts in Gaza as ceasefire negotiations continue, the future of Radio Free Europe, Indian film ‘Santosh’ and Fernando Augusto Pacheco’s ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from our new studios in Paris, we bring you the latest on the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Then: ‘Konfekt’ editor Sophie Grove shares her favourite stories from the latest issue and the designers of our new Parisian café discuss their inspiration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Israel launches the deadliest attack on Gaza since the ceasefire began, Nada AlTaher and Hannah McCarthy join Andrew Mueller to discuss the effects of the strikes. Plus: the US considers recognising Crimea as Russian, the Pope pens a letter and we explore E-Estonia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As tensions rise in the region, foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the future of Ahmed al-Sharaa’s Syria. Plus: Mark Carney snubs the US on his first international trip, why Leipzig is Germany’s fastest growing city, the new Everest restrictions and why Nasa’s stuck astronauts might finally be coming home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As DOGE is dealt its biggest blow yet by federal judges, Christopher Lord joins Georgina Godwin to discuss what Trump’s next move might be. Plus: Vietnam-Indonesia maritime agreement, Monocle at Mipim and all the highlights from the latest issue of ‘Konfekt’ magazine with editor Sophie Grove. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G7 foreign ministers touched down in La Malbaie as transatlantic tensions rise over tariffs and a ceasefire plan for Ukraine. We also head to Dubai to hear how heritage hospitality brands are looking to the future and Fernando Augusto Pacheco takes us to Mexico for ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a 30-day ceasefire is proposed, former US ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst, joins Chris Cermak to discuss if Russia will accept. Plus: Pakistan train hijacking, the Iran nuclear issue ramps up, Nissan’s management is overhauled and we hear from our team at Mipim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.