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
What’s next for Quad beyond the tenures of Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida?
As US president Joe Biden hosts leaders from Australia, India and Japan at his Delaware home for the Quad Summit, we explore the group’s future amid two leadership transitions. Plus: Greenland’s push for independence, a lookahead to the UK Labour Party Conference and tech news.
Lebanon latest: calls for revenge and fears of a full-scale war with Israel
In the aftermath of recent attacks in Lebanon, we discuss escalating tensions and violence in the region with journalist Stefanie Glinski in Beirut. Then: more diplomatic engagement with the crisis in Sudan and a transport-news roundup. Plus: we head to Sri Lanka for the Global Countdown with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.
Fallout from the Beirut pager blasts
Hezbollah vows retaliation after blaming Israel for the deadly pager blasts in Beirut yesterday. US media sources, among others, have confirmed Israel planted the explosives. Then: Russia orders an evacuation from its Tver region following Ukrainian drone strikes. Plus: will Boeing workers and bosses reach a deal?
Who is in Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission lineup?
The European Commission president has unveiled her new team after intense negotiations. What do her choices reveal about the EU’s future direction? Plus: Georgina Godwin on the Booker Prize shortlist and highlights from London Fashion Week with Monocle’s Grace Charlton.
Trouble for Ursula von der Leyen
Thierry Breton has resigned as European commissioner, blaming the decision on Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership. We consider what this means for her future. Then: what does Russia really mean when it threatens escalation and is Justin Trudeau leading Canada’s Liberals to disaster? Plus: a preview of London Design Week…
Putin’s new warning
As Biden thaws on the idea of allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia, Putin responds with a warning to the West. James Rodgers joins Georgina Godwin to discuss what effect the Russian leader’s words have. Plus: We look ahead to Monday’s European Commision report and has Europe fallen…
North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles
North Korea launches a fresh wave of short-range ballistic missiles after months of trading provocations with South Korea. Bill Hayton joins Emma Nelson to discuss the regional implications. Plus: we listen in live to the historic Polaris Spacewalk and Fernando Augusto Pacheco gives us a run-down of the latest from…
Harris rattles Trump
As the global reactions to the US election debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump pour in, Natasha Lindstaedt joins Vincent McAviney to discuss some of the highlights. Plus: has a small island off the coast of Galicia found a positive solution to the overtourism problem?
Harris vs Trump: What to expect?
As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prepare for their highly anticipated debate in Philadelphia, Julie Norman joins Vincent McAviney to discuss what types of sparks might fly when the two finally go head to head. Plus: Could ‘motionless’ turbines be a solution to wind power’s noise and wildlife problems?
France’s fury
As the Paris Olympics drew to a close yesterday, France’s political truce showed itself to be well and truly over. Nina dos Santos joins Vincent McAviney to discuss the fresh turbulence in France. Plus: if you’re at a loss for where to get your athletics fix now that the games…
