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 11, 2025 • 38min
Trump’s letter to Canada threatening a 35 per cent tariff rate
Another day, another letter from the Trump administration spelling out tariff rates and sending markets into confusion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2025 • 31min
Ukraine suffers another record barrage of Russian drone-and-missile strikes overnight
The fourth annual Ukraine Recovery Conference is under way in Rome during record drone-and-missile strikes from Russia in Kyiv. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 9, 2025 • 30min
How recent IDF deaths are fuelling the debate in Israel to end the war
Hamas says more captures are coming after five Israeli soldiers are killed in Gaza, threatening the coalition in Israel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 8, 2025 • 36min
Netanyahu, Trump and Israel Katz plan for the relocation of Palestinians
What would a “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza look like? And could it become permanent? We explore the plans of Israel’s defence minister and consider whether Netanyahu and Trump will back the move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 7, 2025 • 32min
Brics summit: genocide accusations, tariff threats and absentee leaders
We discuss the latest from the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro as Donald Trump threatens tariffs on the bloc due to “anti-American policies”. Then: a Swedish church or a Russian spy enclave?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 4, 2025 • 32min
Russia hammers Kyiv with largest drone attack and France’s travel chaos continues
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s capital continue as Trump labels his call with Putin “disappointing”. Plus: the chaos of French travel disruption continues. And: Monocle’s Nic Monisse tells you how design can enhance your summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 3, 2025 • 39min
What’s happening inside Iran as the US assesses its effect on the country’s nuclear programme?
As the US assesses its effect on Iran’s nuclear programme, we ask if things are settling down with a look inside the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 2, 2025 • 38min
A 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Vietnam halves its cities and France’s smoking ban
Israel agrees to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza – but will Hamas? Vietnam halves its cities, France bans smoking at the beach, Monocle’s Tyler Brûlé on our Quality of Life Survey and Brazil’s singing ambassador.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 1, 2025 • 37min
Thailand’s Prime Minister suspended over leaked phone call
James Chambers, Monocle’s Asia editor based in Bangkok, shares vital insights into Thailand's political crisis. He discusses the PM's suspension triggered by a leaked phone call with Cambodia's leader, igniting public outrage and protests. Chambers highlights the strained relationship between the judiciary and military in Thai politics, raising urgent calls for elections. He also touches on the implications of government instability and the challenges it poses for the country’s future.
Jun 30, 2025 • 32min
Canada caves to Trump, dropping tech tax to resume trade talks with US
Ines Rocha, the Regional Director for Europe at the International Finance Corporation, shares insights on Canada's sudden decision to abandon its digital tax on U.S. tech giants. She delves into how this move is viewed as a concession to Trump, impacting trade negotiations. Rocha also discusses the economic challenges Ukraine faces amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing the crucial role of international aid and the resilience of its private sector. The conversation reflects on the intertwining of domestic policies and international relations.
