4 March 2025
Episode 3506
32 minutes
Photo: Shutterstock
In responding to Trump’s pausing of military aid to Ukraine, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says Europe is in an “era of rearmament” and ready to step up on defence. But can it do so quick enough? Plus: the tariff wars begin, Thailand deports Uyghurs back to China and rail travel marks its bicentennial.
4 March 2025
Share episode
DownloadChapter 1
0 minute
15
15
/
Chapter 1
Trump’s tariff wars begin
There had been speculation that Trump’s tariffs against Canada and Mexico would be eased before entering into force today. Those expectations proved unfounded and global markets have subsequently tumbled.
0 minute
Share chapter 1
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
A rare show of diplomacy from the chief of Myanmar’s junta and how will Trump’s tariffs affect Northern Ireland?
We unpack the latest as the chief of Myanmar’s junta joins a regional summit in Bangkok. Also in the programme: Trump’s tariffs on the UK come as a sticking point for Northern Ireland and we discuss the state of the markets…
Hungary withdraws from the ICC, Australia prepares for elections and Switzerland showcases watches
Monocle’s security correspondent, Gorana Grgić, tells us what Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC means for EU foreign policy. Then: Monocle’s Canberra correspondent, Aarti Betigeri, brings us the latest from Australia’s…
Europe awaits ‘Liberation Day’
Donald Trump is expected to impose his sweeping reciprocal global tariffs today. We unpack the reaction from Europe and have a look at how the world’s financial markets are responding. Also in the programme: any hope of a…
Fears of an Israeli constitutional crisis and The Michelin Guide France 2025
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, withdraws his nomination of an ex-admiral as director of Shin Bet – we unpack why. Also in the programme, Scott Craig of the International Federation of the Red Cross provides…
Le Pen banned from running for office
We get the latest from our team in Paris as a French court finds far-right leader Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling EU funds. Also on the programme: we’re joined by Hopewell Chin’ono as Zimbabwe’s president faces calls for…
Earthquake rocks Thailand and Myanmar
We get the latest from our Bangkok-based Asia editor, James Chambers, as aftershocks from a huge 7.7 magnitude earthquake continue to rock the Thai capital. Also in the programme: Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck,…
Trump’s 25 per cent imported-car tariff and Bolsonaro to stand trial
We’re joined in the studio by our executive editor, Christopher Lord, to get the latest reactions as Donald Trump announces a new 25 per cent tariff on imported cars and parts. Then: a unanimous vote by the Brazilian Sup…
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…
