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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
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.
Germany enters a new European security era
Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, resets UK relations but tussles with Brussels’ budget. Plus: Milan’s mayoral woes, the UK lowers the voting age and how Superman overcame an attempted Maga backlash.
Trump turns his attention to the Gulf
President Trump hosted Qatar’s prime minister and Bahrain’s Crown Prince, reinforcing a growing diplomatic push in the Gulf. We discuss the strategy and why US engagement with the region is intensifying.
Trump hosts Qatar’s prime minister amid Gaza-ceasefire efforts
Qatar’s prime minister joins the US president for dinner as the push for a ceasefire in Gaza continues.
Air India investigation prompts aviation authorities in at least two countries to check Boeing fuel switches
We discuss the latest from the Air India crash investigation as the country’s aviation regulator tells its airlines to inspect the fuel switches on several Boeing planes, despite US regulators insisting that they’re safe.
Bastille Day military parade yields Macron promises on defence spending
France’s president pledges to double defence spending by 2027 as Paris prepares for its Bastille Day parade at a time when Russia continues to pummel Ukraine.
