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
Quality of Life special: From Tokyo to Oslo
In this special edition of The Briefing we look at some of the top cities in Monocle’s Quality of Life survey. Plus: a look into postcards of the past and a food neighbourhood in the winning city of Tokyo.
Donald Trump and the US Senate battle over Iran ahead of midterm elections
We look at how the Iran war has irked Congress and affected Republicans’ domestic agenda. Then: Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026; MIT Museum acquires IM Pei’s archive; and The Global Countdown World Cup tournament.
Will Russia’s fuel crisis bring peace to Ukraine?
Russian president Vladimir Putin says Moscow is ready for peace talks with Ukraine after infrastructure strikes lead to a fuel shortage. Then: Grace Charlton takes us front row at Paris Fashion Week Men’s.
Would Britain be better off closer to Europe?
Ten years after Brexit, British voters now see the referendum as a disaster. Then: we look at the newspapers in Brazil and our Quality of Life series takes us to a Viennese bunker.
Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister
The UK prepares for its seventh head of government in 10 years as Keir Starmer stands down. Plus: Iran and the US hold talks in Switzerland. And: we head to Sydney’s Little Portugal.
Colombia’s polarising run-off election and the view from the south
Colombia faces a hugely polarising presidential run-off election. Plus: Singapore beats Switzerland to the top spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking; how the US-Iran deal will affect Asia; and French culture news.
Tell it to me Strait: Will the Iran deal repair the global economy?
As US president Donald Trump signs a deal with Iran, we examine the key takeaways and the effects on global markets. Then: Fernando Augusto Pacheco brings us the third World Cup special edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.
G7 summit talks critical minerals and Art Basel kicks off in Switzerland
Day two of the G7 summit in France focused on critical minerals and trade. Plus: Monocle’s Sophie Monaghan-Coombs reports from Art Basel. And: the Tokyo Music Hour features Thai musician Notep.
Is Trump ready to turn a corner on the war in Ukraine? Plus: Pitti Uomo
US president Donald Trump says that Russia should make a deal with Ukraine to end the war. Then: the rise of the farther-right. Plus: we head to Florence with Grace Charlton for Pitti Uomo.
Iran and the US reach a peace deal, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen
Tehran and Washington agree to end their war, with the deal set to be signed in Switzerland. Plus: Russia’s strikes on a religious landmark in Ukraine. And: we discuss the redevelopment of London’s Olympia.
