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
Germany and France’s generational split over pensions. Plus: four nations boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation
Pensions continue to be an ongoing source of political instability in Germany and France, we unpack why. Then: Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation. Plus: we meet Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, at ILTM.
The Dominican Republic: Caught between Trump’s America and Venezuela’s Maduro
The Dominican Republic has allowed the US military to operate on its territory as the Trump administration prepares for further strikes on Venezuela. We get the view from the ground in Santo Domingo.
The Gulf states look towards a joint defensive strategy at the 46th GCC summit
As Gulf leaders convene for the 46th GCC summit during a tense time for the region, we discuss what role the US could play in a joint defence plan. Plus: Design Miami, how taxes might have birthed civilisation and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.
LVMH and Armani appoint new boards, and the far right in South America
Luxury fashion groups LVMH and Armani look to the future as they shuffle their boards. Plus: what can recent elections tell us about the state of the far right in South America? Then: we’re live from Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market.
Macron hosts Zelensky in Paris as Nato signals a more ‘aggressive’ stance
Foreign editor Alexis Self discusses a ‘pivotal week’ for diplomacy as Macron and Zelensky meet in Paris. Plus: a documentary about Pulitzer-winning war photographer Lynsey Addario. And: Monocle’s Switzerland Handbook.
Viktor Orban meets with Putin as Ukraine’s corruption scandal worsens
As Hungary’s prime minister travels to Moscow for talks on Ukraine, Zelensky’s top aid is investigated for corruption.
Macron unveils military service plan to counter Russian threat
Emmanuel Macron details a new plan for voluntary military service in France. Plus: Highlights from The Monocle Weekender in Abu Dhabi and The Global Countdown in Cambodia.
US accused of acting for Kremlin and how to move a national archive
Reports confirm the original US peace deal for Ukraine as being lifted from a Russian document after Steve Witkoff’s leaked call with a Kremlin negotiator. Where does America stand? Plus: if moving house is a logistical nightmare, how about a national archive?
Shifting demographics threaten Europe and the latest urbanism news
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) warns changing demographics in Europe threaten its economic stability. We talk to the EBRD’s chief economist to unpack the report. Then: the latest urbanism news and Taiwan’s Oscar entry.
Ukraine peace talks in Geneva gain momentum – can a Russia-friendly deal be reached?
We unpack the latest on Ukraine’s peace talks in Geneva – will Russia ever be satisfied with the outcome? Also on the programme: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on Cop30 and Eurovision news. Plus: The International Operations and Metiers Director of Van Cleef & Arpels.
