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The Briefing

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.

Jan 28, 202632 min

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.

Jan 27, 202633 min

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.

Jan 26, 202632 min

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.

Jan 23, 202634 min

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.

Jan 22, 202648 min

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.

Jan 21, 202627 min

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.

Jan 20, 202632 min

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.

Jan 19, 202631 min

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.

Jan 16, 202630 min

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.

Jan 15, 202632 min

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.

Jan 14, 202629 min

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.

Jan 13, 202625 min

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.

Jan 12, 202620 min

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.

Jan 9, 202633 min

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.

Jan 8, 202632 min

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.

Jan 7, 202633 min

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.

Jan 6, 202626 min

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.

Jan 5, 202631 min

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.

Jan 2, 202633 min

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.

Jan 1, 202636 min

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.

Dec 31, 202526 min

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.

Dec 30, 202520 min

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.

Dec 29, 202529 min

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.

Dec 26, 202533 min

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.

Dec 25, 202524 min

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.

Dec 24, 202529 min

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.

Dec 23, 202530 min

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.

Dec 22, 202534 min

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.

Dec 19, 202530 min

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.

Dec 18, 202530 min

“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.

Dec 17, 202531 min

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.

Dec 16, 202532 min

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.

Dec 16, 202528 min

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.

Dec 12, 202532 min

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.

Dec 11, 202532 min

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.

Dec 10, 202531 min

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.

Dec 9, 202526 min

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.

Dec 8, 202529 min

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.

Dec 5, 202530 min

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.

Dec 4, 202533 min

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.

Dec 3, 202538 min

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.

Dec 2, 202527 min

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.

Dec 1, 202537 min

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.

Nov 28, 202528 min

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.

Nov 27, 202530 min

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.

Nov 26, 202524 min

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.

Nov 25, 202528 min

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.

Nov 24, 202529 min

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.

Nov 21, 202528 min

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.

Nov 20, 202531 min