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
Will Donald Trump’s Republican party purges cost him in the midterms?
We discuss Trump’s punishment of disloyal Republicans in the primary elections. Separately, his IRS settlement could permanently block him and his family from tax audits. What will his base make of these moves?
Nato under strain as members seek clarity on US plans to withdraw troops
We look ahead to the Nato foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden as questions over a US drawdown remain. What will the American push for ‘greater burden sharing’ look like and who will plug the gaps?
Vladimir Putin heads to Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart
As Moscow recovers from huge Ukrainian strikes, Russia’s president prepares to meet Xi Jinping. Then: how one European development bank is expanding operations. Plus: Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen at her new retrospective.
The political controversy engulfing Cannes film festival
Hundreds of actors have been blacklisted for protesting Vincent Bolloré’s political influence over Canal+. Then: how a shadow network across Europe is helping Russia to evade sanctions. Plus: Monocle on Eurovision 2026.
Is Russia looking to end the war or escalate it?
We explore how Europe is responding to Russia’s latest large-scale attack on Ukraine. Then: what will the world look like after the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is over? Plus: South African music lands in Kyoto.
On stage for Emmanuel Macron’s viral moment in Kenya
We speak with Marie Lora-Mungai, who was on stage in Nairobi when French president Emmanuel Macron implored the audience to show respect, about the viral moment and the future of Africa’s creative industries. Plus: the latest from the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing and a Eurovision-themed ‘The Global Countdown’.
Ukraine-Russia ceasefire ends but Kyiv’s renewed confidence continues
Ukraine pushes for an airport ceasefire after its three-day truce with Russia comes to an end. Julia Jenne discusses Ukraine’s newfound confidence to set the terms and act independently of the US.
Is it all over for Keir Starmer? The cabinet faces questions
Cabinet members are asked to pledge support for embattled UK prime minister Keir Starmer. Plus: redistricting battles heat up in the US, Thaksin Shinawatra is released from prison and Sweden’s Eurovision entry.
Trump rejects Iran’s peace proposal
An end to the Iran war looks unlikely as Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu refuse to entertain Tehran’s demands. Then: a taste of Corsican food in Paris. Plus: the case for Australia Fashion Week.
Trump’s global 10 per cent tariffs ruled illegal as he pushes for an EU-trade deal
We discuss what next for Donald Trump’s tariffs as he is pushed back for a second time by a US trade court. Then: protests over Russia at the Venice Biennale. Plus: the latest cultural news.
