The Briefing
A fast-paced news round-up with expert reporting, business insights, and industry updates on technology, aviation, retail, and media. Anchored from London.
Latest Episodes
The scramble to take energy infrastructure off the hit list in the Middle East
We discuss the damage from strikes in Iran and the Gulf, and whether Israel’s promise to stop targeting Iranian gas fields will do anything to reassure the region. Then: was Sanae Takaichi’s meeting with Trump a success?
All talk? The European Council convenes in Brussels amid global disruption
We discuss the aims of the European Council Summit at a crucial juncture. Plus: Thailand embraces stability as a new prime minister is appointed and what we can learn from the world’s happiest nation?
Zelensky in Europe as focus shifts to Iran
We discuss how Volodymyr Zelensky is working to put Ukraine back on the agenda as he lands in Madrid after meetings in London and Paris. Plus: Frank McCourt on reclaiming your digital identity and the latest Swiss news.
Trump delays talks with Xi as the Iran war rages on
As the US president postpones a high-stakes summit with China’s leader, we discuss the mutual strategies at play.
Can the US rely on its allies in the war in Iran?
Trump warns Nato that it must assist the US to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Can he rely on the US’s allies after a year of berating them? Plus: the surge in oil markets continues. Then: we take stock of the Oscars.
The future of the far right in Germany. And: The winner of the Pritzker Prize
We discuss what’s next for Alternative for Germany after a court rules that the party cannot be labelled as an “extremist” group. Plus: an interview with Giorgos Karampelas, creative director of K-Studio, at Mipim 2026.
Iran steps up attacks in the Gulf as oil prices jump
We discuss how increased attacks across the region are pushing energy prices back up despite a historic release of reserves. Plus: Amanda Driehorst, strategy and sales manager at Schindler, on innovation in “vertical” home mobility.
Turkey’s mass corruption trial gets under way
Istanbul’s mayor is among hundreds facing corruption charges in a trial that his party says is politically motivated. Plus: we speak to Hyatt’s Felicity Black-Roberts, senior vice-president for development in Europe & Mena, at Mipim.
How the war in Iran is changing Qatar’s global standing. And: urban festival Mipim
We head to Doha as Qatar warns of dramatic global consequences if the war with Iran continues. Then: elections in Colombia. Plus: we’re off to Cannes to hear about the latest in affordable housing.
Mark Carney on the attractiveness of Canada’s military
Part two of Tyler Brûlé’s interview with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney. Plus: we delve into the appointment of the late Ayatollah Khamenei’s son and consider what it will mean for Iran’s ongoing war with Israel and the US.
