
The Briefing
200 episodes — Page 4 of 4

Greenland and Denmark’s leaders in Paris: What’s on the menu for the working lunch with Macron?
France hosts the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. Then: the future of Lebanon’s economy amid new investments. Plus: how is China’s oil market changing in light of Maduro’s arrest? And: Monocle design and fashion highlights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Iranians are receiving information during a brutal crackdown on protests
We hear from the groups trying to break through the information blockade in Iran during an internet blackout. Plus: Boeing results and the long history of Russian espionage in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xi Jinping’s purge of high-ranking Chinese military figures continues
China’s top-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, has been placed under investigation after being accused of giving nuclear secrets to the US. Then: coverage from Monocle’s recent trip to Nuuk and a look back at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where does the Nato military alliance go from here?
We explore the future of the Western military alliance following Greenland de-escalation. Plus: Winkreative’s Ariel Childs on Great Britain’s new colours for the America’s Cup and the Oscar nominationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from Davos: Albin Kurti, the prime minister of Kosovo, and day four of the WEF
Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo brings us a special broadcast from the World Economic Forum. Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s prime minister, tells us about his ambitions for his nation and the markets react to Davos. Plus: a special edition of The Global Countdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from Davos: Trump touches down and markets react to geopolitics
A special broadcast from the World Economic Forum as US president Donald Trump touches down. We assess the market’s reaction and report on the landing from Zürich Airport. Plus: is Davos the world’s longest pop-up city?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from Davos: WEF gets underway, what makes a strong passport and redefining the office
A special broadcast from the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. We look at the ever-changing guest list, unpack what makes a strong passport and the trends set to redefine the office. Plus: Valentino’s life and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump tells Norway’s PM he is no longer obligated ‘to think purely of peace’. Plus: a Milan Fashion Week Men’s preview
The latest as the EU considers retaliatory measures over Trump’s Greenland tariff ‘blackmail’. Then: we hear from our team at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Plus: a preview of Milan Fashion Week Men’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia strikes energy facilities in Kharkiv as Zelensky declares a state of emergency
As Ukraine battles on against Russia’s strikes and US accusations, Monocle’s Julia Jenne joins to discuss. Then: Chris Cermak explores the irrationality of human behaviour with Nobel-Prize laureate Richard Thaler. Plus: are there any upsides to this year’s WEF survey?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phase two of the ceasefire: what comes next for Gaza?
As Steve Witkoff announces the next stage of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, we discuss what comes next for Gaza. Then: Thomas Chatterton Williams gives us his take on the ICE protests and subsequent unrest. Plus: Monocle’s team on the ground at Paris Déco Off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi plans snap election
Will a snap vote give Sanae Takaichi the mandate that she seeks to push forward her agenda? Plus: China’s strategic support for Iran and we interview Caroline Avedon, the curator of the Richard Avedon: Facing West exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump issues financial warnings. Plus: an urbanism round-up
Donald Trump threatens a 25 per cent tariff on any nation that conducts business with Iran, while also applying pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. We look at the global and domestic ramifications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Venezuela releases political prisoners, business news and Brazil at the Golden Globes
Political prisoners are released in Venezuela as the US president, Donald Trump, meets with oil executives. Then: Business news and we look at Brazilian cinema at the Golden Globes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia’s reactions to US operations in Venezuela
We assess how the seizure of Venezuelan tankers will be viewed in Moscow and whether it has any bearing on broader US-Russia relations. Plus: a day of mourning in Switzerland to honour the 40 victims of the Crans-Montana fire on New Year’s Eve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tractors park at the Arc de Triomphe to protest a European trade deal with Mercosur
Tractors have gathered in front of the Arc de Triomphe in a show of dissent against a European trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur. Plus: what an invasion of Taiwan would actually look like and three exhibitions to have on your radar in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Venezuela hand over 50 million barrels of oil to the US?
As Donald Trump unveils his plan for Venezuela to turn over millions of oil barrels to the US, we assess how viable this ambition might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Venezuela: Mission not accomplished?
Did Donald Trump declare victory too soon? We analyse the next steps in Venezuela with Nick Redman of Oxford Analytica. Plus: Ukraine’s cabinet shake-up and a look-ahead to Maison&Objet in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Trump’s audacious attack on Venezuela mean for Europe?
We assess what Venezuela says about Donald Trump’s foreign-policy approach and what it means for Europe as leaders prepare for a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit in Paris. Plus: Switzerland identifies the victims of a fire in Crans-Montana. And: how China can manage its economy in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday 2 January
Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Brûlé is joined by Benjamin Smith to discuss efficiency and sustainability at Air France-KLM
A special episode dedicated to leadership at one of the world's largest airline groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday 31 December
Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday 30 December
Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 29 December
Emma Nelson delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Brûlé is joined by William P Lauder – the third-generation leader of the Estée Lauder Companies
A special episode dedicated to leadership at one of the largest prestige beauty organisations in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas Day special
Monocle’s head of radio, Tom Edwards, is joined by Robert Bound to swap presents and compare seasonal traditions. Plus: We head to Lapland to speak to Santa Claus himself and we explore a new mountain resort in Slovenia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Brûlé is joined by Jean-Claude Biver for a look at the art of watchmaking
A special episode dedicated the art of watchmaking with Jean-Claude BiverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday 23 December
Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 22 December
Chris Cermak delivers a fast-paced news round-up, anchored from Midori House in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reforming the US-Israel relationship and how behavioural science shapes urban policy
Andrew P Miller, the former deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli-Palestinian affairs, on how Washington and Tel Aviv’s relationship should change. Plus: a new insight into urban policy and Konfekt’s best hosting tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will be the UK’s new ambassador to the US?
The race is on to find a new British ambassador to the United States, following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson. Plus: a look at the Italian front pages and a Christmas-themed edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The time to build” at the UN Global Refugee Forum 2025, and Brazil’s 2026 forecast
We delve into the big year ahead for Brazil and discuss how to remain optimistic in meeting the challenges facing refugees around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Europe succeed in the Trump era? Plus: design gifts for the holidays
We discuss whether Europe can shirk its rather submissive reaction to Trump’s second administration. Then: we hop on a new train to the Alps and pick out design gifts for the holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The international community weighs in on the Bondi shooting and Thailand’s next election
As Australia reels from the shooting in Bondi beach, how is it being seen globally? Plus: Thailand calls for fresh elections and the new plans for Dracula Land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Gaza’s US-brokered ceasefire moving ahead or failing?
We discuss the worsening political and humanitarian situation in Gaza as Palestinians remain caught between the first two phases of the US-imposed ceasefire. Plus: the Thailand-Cambodia conflict enters its fifth day, business news and Monocle’s winter series continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh crisis in Yemen threatens to split the Gulf region
Monocle’s Gulf correspondent joins to discuss tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Plus: Trump gives Nvidia OK to sell chips to China, Christmas-party fashion tips and our look-back edition of ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the transatlantic relationship facing a major crisis?
As the US president labels European leaders as “weak”, we discuss what lies ahead for the transatlantic alliance. Plus: the winner of the Turner Prize is announced and the best Christmas presents from the world of print. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand and Cambodia’s border feud escalates and the latest in urban-mobility design
We get the latest from Bangkok as the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia turn deadly. Is de-escalation possible? Then: We weigh in on Saiki, Belgrade and Paris’s latest rail revamps. Plus: What can Miami teach the world about design? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European leaders huddle with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky
The Ukrainian president is in London for another high-stakes meeting after Donald Trump accused him of being less co-operative than Vladimir Putin. Plus: Slovenia’s Eurovision boycott and one year of Syria without Bashar al-Assad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany and France’s generational split over pensions. Plus: four nations boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation
Pensions continue to be an ongoing source of political instability in Germany and France, we unpack why. Then: Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation. Plus: we meet Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, at ILTM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dominican Republic: Caught between Trump’s America and Venezuela’s Maduro
The Dominican Republic has allowed the US military to operate on its territory as the Trump administration prepares for further strikes on Venezuela. We get the view from the ground in Santo Domingo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gulf states look towards a joint defensive strategy at the 46th GCC summit
As Gulf leaders convene for the 46th GCC summit during a tense time for the region, we discuss what role the US could play in a joint defence plan. Plus: Design Miami, how taxes might have birthed civilisation and the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LVMH and Armani appoint new boards, and the far right in South America
Luxury fashion groups LVMH and Armani look to the future as they shuffle their boards. Plus: what can recent elections tell us about the state of the far right in South America? Then: we’re live from Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macron hosts Zelensky in Paris as Nato signals a more ‘aggressive’ stance
Foreign editor Alexis Self discusses a ‘pivotal week’ for diplomacy as Macron and Zelensky meet in Paris. Plus: a documentary about Pulitzer-winning war photographer Lynsey Addario. And: Monocle’s Switzerland Handbook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viktor Orban meets with Putin as Ukraine’s corruption scandal worsens
As Hungary’s prime minister travels to Moscow for talks on Ukraine, Zelensky’s top aid is investigated for corruption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macron unveils military service plan to counter Russian threat
Emmanuel Macron details a new plan for voluntary military service in France. Plus: Highlights from The Monocle Weekender in Abu Dhabi and The Global Countdown in Cambodia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US accused of acting for Kremlin and how to move a national archive
Reports confirm the original US peace deal for Ukraine as being lifted from a Russian document after Steve Witkoff’s leaked call with a Kremlin negotiator. Where does America stand? Plus: if moving house is a logistical nightmare, how about a national archive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shifting demographics threaten Europe and the latest urbanism news
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) warns changing demographics in Europe threaten its economic stability. We talk to the EBRD’s chief economist to unpack the report. Then: the latest urbanism news and Taiwan’s Oscar entry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine peace talks in Geneva gain momentum – can a Russia-friendly deal be reached?
We unpack the latest on Ukraine's peace talks in Geneva – will Russia ever be satisfied with the outcome? Also on the programme: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on Cop30 and Eurovision news. Plus: The International Operations and Metiers Director of Van Cleef & Arpels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A peace plan for Ukraine, Italy braces for Moody’s rating and Prague’s Mucha Museum
The full US peace plan for Ukraine is revealed, Italy braces for a potential upgrade by Moody’s after years of stagnation and we meet Marcus Mucha, executive director of Prague’s Mucha Museum. Plus: Winkreative’s new campaign for Canary Wharf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe’s balancing act between the US and China. Plus: Monocle’s new December/January issue
Author and commentator David Marsh on whether France and Germany can still be the engine of Europe. Plus: Monocle’s editors discuss the new December/January issue, which is out today. And: this week’s episode of ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.