8 July 2021
Episode 2539
30 minutes
How is Europe preparing for a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases? Plus: business news, a dive into Rwandan pop culture and the UK’s former ambassador in Beirut, Tom Fletcher, has an update on the situation in Lebanon.
8 July 2021
Share episode
DownloadChapter 1
16 minutes
15
15
/
Chapter 1
Living with coronavirus
Monocle’s Dr Chris Smith and Signum Global’s Anna Rosenberg on the push to reopen European societies.
16 minutes
Share chapter 1
Chapter 2
5 minutes
15
15
/
Chapter 2
Lebanon’s plight
The UK’s ambassador in Lebanon between 2011 and 2015, Tom Fletcher, has the latest on concerns of “social explosion” in the country.
5 minutes
Share chapter 2
Want more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Briefing - latest episodes
What message is the US trying to send to Greenland?
As US vice president JD Vance announces that he will join his wife’s trip to a US army base in Greenland, we unpack what message this sends to the arctic territory and gauge Denmark’s reaction. Also in the programme: we…
Outrage as the White House accidentally sends war plans to a journalist
The world reacts to a major security breach after the White House accidentally shared highly sensitive military plans through a group chat, which included an ‘Atlantic’ journalist. Our security correspondent, Gorana Grgić…
Anti-Erdogan protests continue in Turkey
Protests continue in Turkey following the arrest of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival and Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. We get the latest from Ruth Michaelson, who reports the nation’s capital. Also on the…
Germany’s Bundesrat approves historic spending plan
As Germany’s upper house of parliament approves a constitutional change to allow a huge increase in spending for the country’s defence and infrastructure needs, Monocle’s senior news editor, Chris Cermak, joins Emma Nelson…
Canada: The EU’s 28th member state?
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…
Live from Paris: the latest from Istanbul and Parisian design
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…
Ceasefire shattered by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
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,…
Foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss Syria
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…
US judge blocks Trump’s firing of federal workers
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…
A frosty G7 meeting in Canada
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…
Ukraine accepts US ceasefire proposal, Russia strikes Zelensky’s hometown
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…
Portugal’s government faces collapse
As a no-confidence vote threatens to topple Portugal’s Luís Montenegro, Carlota Rebelo joins Christopher Cermak to discuss. Plus: who is North Korea’s Lazarus Group and how did it steal $1.5bn (€1.3bn) worth of cryptocur…
Who is Mark Carney, Canada’s next PM?
We examine the stacked in-tray of Canada’s next prime minister. Plus: Is Poland becoming a prewar nation in prewar times? And: Switzerland’s new Eurovision stamp.
Court orders Yoon Suk Yeol’s release
As a South Korean court paves the way for impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol’s release, John Nilsson Wright joins Emma Nelson to discuss. Plus: weekend havoc ensues after a Second World War bomb is discovered at Gare du Nord…
EU leaders meet to discuss the future of Ukraine
As a special council is held in Brussels to address the rapidly shifting Ukraine-Russia war, Oleksii Goncharenko joins Chris Cermak to discuss how European leaders may respond. Plus: Cyclone Alfred shuts down Brisbane,…
