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
Aug 1, 2025 • 36min
Here we go again: Trump announces sweeping new tariffs
The Trump administration has announced a wave of new tariffs on dozens of countries. We discuss the impact on Canada and Brazil, some of the hardest hit by the president’s escalating trade war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2025 • 34min
In seeking a fourth term, is Côte d’Ivoire’s president risking the nation’s prosperity?
At 83, Côte d’Ivoire’s president, Alassane Ouattara, will risk political instability and years of strong economic growth by running for a fourth term. Is this move a repeat of the country’s past mistakes?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 30, 2025 • 34min
South Korea looks to secure a trade deal with the US before it’s too late
With Japan, China and others reaching framework trade deals with the US, South Korea hopes that it can be next as the countdown to the 1 August tariff deadline continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 29, 2025 • 33min
A ‘submission’ to Trump: France and Germany hit back at trade deal with the US
Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, Simon Bouvier, and foreign editor, Alexis Self, discuss France and Germany’s dissent to the EU-US trade deal, calling it an act of “submission”. Plus: Japanese pictograms take London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 28, 2025 • 35min
Israel allows military pause for aid and Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire
The latest on Israel’s military pauses to allow aid into Gaza. Then: Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire in Malaysia. Plus: Japan’s newest theme park and UAE papers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
