30 December 2021
Episode 2664
30 minutes
As global coronavirus infections hit a record high, we explore how countries are trying to balance restrictions with keeping their economies open. Plus: a look at the pivotal US Supreme Court cases to watch next year, new insights into the mystery of Malaysia Airlines’ flight 370 and this year’s ‘Global Countdown’.
30 December 2021
Share episode
DownloadWant 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
US Congress approves $95bn (€110bn) aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
We detail the US aid package approved by Congress last night, join celebrated novelist Monica Ali as she reveals the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist and discuss why shares in Gucci’s parent company, Kering, have plunged…
The UK green lights controversial immigration policy
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak’s bill to send illegal migrants to Rwanda has been approved in parliament – but could the courts still get in his way? Also in the programme: we have the business headlines, discuss the opening…
Aid for Ukraine and drills in the South China Sea
After the US finally approves its latest foreign-aid package for Ukraine, we discuss how Russia might respond to a seizure of its assets to help the invaded country. Meanwhile, we look to the Philippines, where the US is…
Israel retaliates and Slovakia fundraises for Ukraine
As Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran, we consider whether this week’s escalation has come to an end. Then: the US vetoes a United Nations Security Council resolution that would recognise Palestine as a full…
India heads to the polls and a spying scandal
We look ahead to India’s elections before voters head to the polls for the six-week-long democratic exercise on Friday. Plus: we examine Germany’s arrest of two German-Russian saboteurs, bring you the second part of our…
Ukraine’s defence deficit
After Western allies flock to protect Israel from Iran, we look at how Ukraine, which remains highly vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks, has reacted. Plus: the Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly votes…
The US considers splitting foreign aid
As Republicans in the US House of Representatives attempt to split funding to Israel and Ukraine despite Kyiv’s urgent pleas, we look ahead to Friday’s vote. Then: as Israel’s war cabinet debates how to retaliate against…
Israel-Iran escalation and Trump stands trial
As the escalation between Israel and Iran continues, we hear the latest on the ground in Jerusalem and look at the risks of contagion in the wider region. Then, to the UK, where MPs are set to vote today on the government’s…
Israel-Iran relations and Olaf Scholz in China
As Israel confirms that it is prepared to act both defensively and offensively if Iran were to attack, we look at US attempts at deterrence. Then: Olaf Scholz’s visit to China as he hopes to bolster Germany’s faltering…
When two become three: Biden, Kishida and Marcos Jr meet
Joe Biden hosts the first trilateral White House summit with Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, and president Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines. Then: outnumbered on the battlefield, Ukraine scraps demobilisation…
South Korea heads to the polls and the Delphi Economic Forum
We discuss exit-poll results from South Korea’s national assembly elections. Plus: Monocle’s Andrew Mueller checks in from the first day of the Delphi Economic Forum, a court rules South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma…
David Cameron’s US charm offensive
What does David Cameron’s US charm offensive tell us about the UK’s foreign-policy strategy? Plus: we discuss whether Ireland’s new taoiseach, Simon Harris, will help to boost Fine Gael’s electoral prospects and why Germ…
Protests in Israel against Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza strategy
As hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets in more than 50 locations across Israel to protest Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war, we look at the mounting pressure on the government to change its strategy…
US pressure on Israel and Prague warns Moscow is sabotaging European railways
The latest as Israel announces that it’s opening new routes for aid into Gaza following a warning from Joe Biden that it must protect civilians. Plus: the Czech Republic warns that Russia has made “thousands” of attempts…
Finland’s new security pact with Ukraine
As Nato celebrates its 75th anniversary, Finland and Ukraine have signed a long-term security agreement. Charly Salonius-Pasternak and Olga Tokariuk discuss the new pact and Nato’s support for Ukraine. Also in the programme…
