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
Here we go again: Trump announces sweeping new tariffs
The Trump administration has announced a wave of new tariffs on dozens of countries. We discuss the impact on Canada and Brazil, some of the hardest hit by the president’s escalating trade war.
In seeking a fourth term, is Côte d’Ivoire’s president risking the nation’s prosperity?
At 83, Côte d’Ivoire’s president, Alassane Ouattara, will risk political instability and years of strong economic growth by running for a fourth term. Is this move a repeat of the country’s past mistakes?
South Korea looks to secure a trade deal with the US before it’s too late
With Japan, China and others reaching framework trade deals with the US, South Korea hopes that it can be next as the countdown to the 1 August tariff deadline continues.
A ‘submission’ to Trump: France and Germany hit back at trade deal with the US
Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, Simon Bouvier, and foreign editor, Alexis Self, discuss France and Germany’s dissent to the EU-US trade deal, calling it an act of “submission”. Plus: Japanese pictograms take London.
Israel allows military pause for aid and Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire
The latest on Israel’s military pauses to allow aid into Gaza. Then: Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire in Malaysia. Plus: Japan’s newest theme park and UAE papers.
World leaders divided as France plans to recognise Palestinian state
French president Emmanuel Macron’s decision to formally recognise a Palestinian state draws sharp criticism from Israel and the US, while garnering support from several European and Arab leaders.
Thai and Cambodian troops clash amid fears of widening regional conflict
Deadly escalations at the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border fuel fears that violence could spill into a broader conflict. Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, has the latest from Bangkok.
Zelensky faces pressure at home as Istanbul hosts talks between Ukraine and Russia
We discuss the fallout from protests in Ukraine after president Zelensky signed a bill that critics say undermines anti-corruption bodies. As Kyiv and Moscow meet in Istanbul, will Ukraine’s internal strife affect negotiations?
Ukraine-Russia peace talks loom and will Japan’s election affect its defence?
Ukraine-Russia peace talks set for tomorrow and what does a ‘Japanese First’ approach mean for defence? Plus: North Korea’s new beach resort struggles to attract visitors and Spain reforms its Franco-era Official Secrets Law.
Ukraine’s Zelensky pushes for peace and Brazil’s Bolsonaro gets an ankle tag
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky asks for peace negotiations to restart; former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro to wear an ankle tag; and the Philippines’ president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, visits Washington. Plus: the latest fashion news.
