The Briefing
A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by a Monocle editor. The show features informed reporting, prescient business analysis and invaluable industry reports covering everything from technology to aviation and retail to media.
Episodes
Macron uses his last Bastille Day to unite Europe in show of military strength
As France’s president oversees his last parade, we assess why this year’s celebrations focus on European unity and support for Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Strait of Hormuz open or closed? US and Iran exchange tit-for-tat strikes
Tehran says it can’t allow Washington to use the Strait of Hormuz to harm Iran’s sovereignty. Plus: why is Volkswagen changing? Then: is Norway the model country for ‘good losers’? And: we chat with Belgian singer Angèle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coming out of the cold? Myanmar tries to re-engage with the Asean bloc
Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations prepare for their first talks with Myanmar since the 2021 coup. Plus: we examine how Londoners are living with and adapting to extreme heat. And: how flamenco can improve our communication skills. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will an establishment-versus-outsiders rift sink the Democrats’ mid-term hopes?
Are global energy markets engaging in wishful thinking as the conflict in Iran deepens? Then: does the Maine Senate race prove Democrats cannot resolve the rift threatening their mid-term chances? Plus: Klarna’s CMO and ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Damascus rocked by explosions during Macron’s visit to Syria: what comes next?
As the first visit to Syria by an EU leader is marred by explosions, we get the view from France and Damascus. Then: what next for Nato after renewed Trump threats? Plus: business news and Japan’s Yumiko Morioka. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trouble on the right: Meloni faces Trump at Nato summit while Le Pen awaits her fate
Donald Trump mocks his erstwhile ally Giorgia Meloni, while Marine Le Pen’s presidency is in the hands of a French court ruling. Plus: the US-Belgium controversy settled on the pitch and Haute Couture Week in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran mourns Ali Khamenei amid questions over his son’s whereabouts
Funeral processions for Iran’s slain supreme leader culminate in central Iran but his successor is nowhere to be seen. Plus: Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial gets under way; the chief economist of Swedbank; and how Bank of America is funding art-conservation projects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Press freedoms in the spotlight on the 250th anniversary of US independence
As Donald Trump prepares to mark America’s birthday, we look at how press freedoms have evolved. Then: why has Moldova’s prime minister resigned? And: we speak to the owners of Paris shirtmaker Charvet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kyiv suffers one of the worst nights of the war as Russia strikes back
A day of mourning is declared in Ukraine’s capital after Russian forces launched a large aerial attack. Then: Chanel buys historic gentleman’s shirtmaker Charvet. And: we bring you more musical World Cup fun. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wins and losses for Donald Trump at the end of the US Supreme Court’s term
US Supreme Court justices rule against Donald Trump on birthright citizenship. Plus: We look at Le Kilt’s offerings with Monocle’s Brenda Tuohy; and speak with H&M at Almedalen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany looks to the Global South for a new international order
Germany launches its North-South commission as its aid budget is cut. Plus: UAE launches its first passenger-train service, North Korea’s unlikely economic success and Monocle at Almedalen Week in Sweden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Protests in Gaza erupt over living conditions in the besieged strip
We examine the future of life in Gaza as Israeli strikes kill three Palestinians. Then: Sweden’s Almedalen week, Paris Fashion Week Men’s and Mexican chef Santiago Lastra. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Quality of Life special: From Tokyo to Oslo
In this special edition of The Briefing we look at some of the top cities in Monocle’s Quality of Life survey. Plus: a look into postcards of the past and a food neighbourhood in the winning city of Tokyo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump and the US Senate battle over Iran ahead of midterm elections
We look at how the Iran war has irked Congress and affected Republicans’ domestic agenda. Then: Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026; MIT Museum acquires IM Pei’s archive; and The Global Countdown World Cup tournament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Russia’s fuel crisis bring peace to Ukraine?
Russian president Vladimir Putin says Moscow is ready for peace talks with Ukraine after infrastructure strikes lead to a fuel shortage. Then: Grace Charlton takes us front row at Paris Fashion Week Men’s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Would Britain be better off closer to Europe?
Ten years after Brexit, British voters now see the referendum as a disaster. Then: we look at the newspapers in Brazil and our Quality of Life series takes us to a Viennese bunker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister
The UK prepares for its seventh head of government in 10 years as Keir Starmer stands down. Plus: Iran and the US hold talks in Switzerland. And: we head to Sydney’s Little Portugal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colombia’s polarising run-off election and the view from the south
Colombia faces a hugely polarising presidential run-off election. Plus: Singapore beats Switzerland to the top spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking; how the US-Iran deal will affect Asia; and French culture news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tell it to me Strait: Will the Iran deal repair the global economy?
As US president Donald Trump signs a deal with Iran, we examine the key takeaways and the effects on global markets. Then: Fernando Augusto Pacheco brings us the third World Cup special edition of ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
G7 summit talks critical minerals and Art Basel kicks off in Switzerland
Day two of the G7 summit in France focused on critical minerals and trade. Plus: Monocle’s Sophie Monaghan-Coombs reports from Art Basel. And: the Tokyo Music Hour features Thai musician Notep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Trump ready to turn a corner on the war in Ukraine? Plus: Pitti Uomo
US president Donald Trump says that Russia should make a deal with Ukraine to end the war. Then: the rise of the farther-right. Plus: we head to Florence with Grace Charlton for Pitti Uomo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran and the US reach a peace deal, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen
Tehran and Washington agree to end their war, with the deal set to be signed in Switzerland. Plus: Russia’s strikes on a religious landmark in Ukraine. And: we discuss the redevelopment of London’s Olympia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Albania’s flamingo protests take off as anger builds over Jared Kushner’s planned resort development
Pro- and anti-government protests grip Albania as anger builds over a luxury resort development. Then: we examine Switzerland’s referendum on capping the population. And: Nic Monisse on Copenhagen’s design festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2026 Fifa World Cup opens amid fanfare and controversy
Monocle’s Tom Edwards and Anita Riotta walk us through their impressions of the World Cup, which begins in Mexico City today. And: Fernando Augusto Pacheco with a special tournament on ‘The Global Countdown’. Plus: Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer receives an Outstanding Leader award. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s behind the resurgence in inter-state conflict?
The number of inter-state conflicts around the world doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, we discuss why. Then: why does the majority of Europe no longer see the US as an ally? Plus: the Baltics join financial forces and Alexis Bittar on buying back his jewellery business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who’s calling the shots?: Trump and Netanyahu both look to sway the war in Iran
As a rift between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu grows, who will hold influence over the other? Then: SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI look to make megacap IPO history. Plus: the Bengali art of Jamdani weaving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israeli and Iranian retaliatory strikes as Trump administration looks on
Israel and Iran show little interest in maintaining a ceasefire demanded by Donald Trump. Our Gulf correspondent, Inzamam Rashid, explains. Plus: China’s president in Pyongyang and the co-directors of furniture fair ICFF.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Culture wraps, Konfekt’s new travel special and the Mount Street Neighbourhood Summer Festival
Hezbollah rejects a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Then: a look at Konfekt’s summer issue with Sophie Grove and a pop-up bookshop by Thames & Hudson at London’s Mount Street Neighbourhood Summer Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why did Germany fail to secure a seat on the UN Security Council?
We discuss Berlin’s failure to secure a seat on the UN Security Council. Then: are the world’s worst displacement crises under-reported? Plus: ‘The Global Countdown’ kicks off its World Cup special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Serpentine Pavilion by Lanza Atelier opens in London
Nic Monisse takes a look at London’s Serpentine Pavilion ahead of opening on Saturday. Plus: Anita Riotta brings us the results of primaries across the US and we wrap the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa with Andrew Mueller.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s next in Colombia’s presidential runoff between the left and the far right
We consider what Colombia’s polarising election could mean for Latin America’s third-largest economy. Plus: we meet Ari and Ethan Gold, the twins behind one-shot musical film ‘Brother Verses Brother’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Poland’s leaders continue to jockey for power
We examine the prospects for Poland’s ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 parliamentary election. Plus: we head to Paris to speak with Laetitia and Arthur Cohen, owners of the best Franco-Japanese restaurants in town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine’s boosted confidence on display at the Odesa Black Sea Security Forum
Contributing editor Andrew Mueller joins from the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Ukraine. Plus: a painting of Sue Tilley, one of Lucien Freud’s main muses, is set to go under the hammer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bolstering UAE defence and Monocle’s coffee special
We get the latest from Iran, go behind the scenes with UAE defence manufacturer Edge Group and talk all things coffee with a special feature in Monocle’s June magazine, out today. Plus: The Global Countdown from Namibia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel’s offensive against Lebanon intensifies
As the US and Iran battle on with strained efforts to find peace, we assess the implications for Israel as its offensive against Lebanon intensifies. Plus: we discuss opera and AI with the Royal Opera’s Netia Jones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran warns that the US will no longer have a safe haven in the region
As Tehran and Washington discuss a framework to end their three-month war, Iran’s supreme leader warns that Gulf powers will no longer be a shield for the US and its bases. Plus: Why guilty consumption is taking off in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pope Leo has views on AI: will Silicon Valley listen?
Pope Leo XIV is giving his first ecumenical today on the topic of artificial intelligence, the first official word from the Catholic Church on the topic. Anthropic CEO Christopher Olah is in attendance but will anyone in Silicon Valley truly pay attention to the Church’s teachings?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hungary’s constitutional reform and prime minister Péter Magyar’s first weeks
Hungarian prime minister Péter Magyar wants to limit the terms of his office to eight years – preventing his predecessor from returning. We’ll discuss the constitutional reforms and how Magyar is doing in his first weeks in office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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. Plus: Katharine Hayhoe on how climate scientists maintain their optimism in the face of the Trump administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Marco Rubio smooth things over with Pope Leo XIV and Giorgia Meloni?
The US secretary of state is in Rome for talks with Pope Leo XIV and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, two leaders whose relations with US president Donald Trump have soured. Can Marco Rubio revive them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does the end of ‘Project Freedom’ point to peace? Plus: Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire’s Paris
As Donald Trump backs down from ‘Project Freedom’, Andrew Mueller weighs the likelihood of peace and what it would look like. Plus: Grace Charlton on Paris under its new mayor and a shocking trend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the ceasefire in Lebanon all but over?
As Israel ramps up its killing in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, we discuss where things could go next. Then: Merz a year on, Romania’s vote of no-confidence and the Venice Biennale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump announces ‘Project Freedom’ and Zambia cancels world’s largest human rights and tech conference
We discuss Donald Trump’s new plan for the US military to guide stranded ships through the strait of Hormuz. Then: Zambia cites misalignment with ‘national values’ as it cancels major human rights gatheringSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump threatens troop withdrawal in Europe
We discuss the US-Europe security relationship as Donald Trump threatens to pull troops from Italy and Spain after making the same threat to Germany. Is an increasingly antagonistic Trump accelerating European military independence? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pete Hegseth defends Iran war – and calls his critics the true adversary
We discuss US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s congressional hearing and the broader Iran strategy, plus interest rate decisions in Washington and Frankfurt. Then: ‘The Entrepreneurs’ live in Shanghai and ‘The Global Countdown’ with Fernando Augusto Pacheco. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How healthy is the special relationship? Assessing King Charles III’s speech to Congress
King Charles III emphasises the need for stronger UK-US ties in an address to Congress. Then: could the EU put sanctions on Israel over the purchase of Ukrainian grain? Plus: the latest from the world of business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Canada’s sovereign wealth fund bolster its economy in the face of Trump’s tariffs?
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney announces a government-owned fund to invest in projects including energy, mining and other infrastructure. We look at the details. Plus: global military spending rises for an 11th year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Palestinians vote in Gaza for the first time in 20 years
We look at the results of the municipal elections in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah and the occupied West Bank. Plus: security questions after the White House correspondents’ dinner shooting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire after White House talks
Donald Trump has announced a three-week extension to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire but questions remain over a deal between the US and Iran. Plus: the latest from Monocle at Salone del Mobile and the Delphi Economic Forum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump in the polls: the domestic impact of US foreign policy
With six months until the US midterms, we take a look at domestic polls to assess how the Trump administration’s actions are playing out at home. Plus: what’s on the agenda at the Delphi Economic Forum and World Book Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Planes, trains and ferries: How the Iran war is affecting travel
We look at how energy prices are affecting global travel and opening up options beyond flights. Plus: the latest on the US-Iran ceasefire extension with questions continuing over the next round of talks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lula in Lisbon: what’s on the agenda?
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is ending his European trip by meeting Portugal’s president, António José Seguro. We discuss the two nations’ relations. Plus: Has the US lost its shine for China’s top talent?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are US-Iran peace talks still on the table?
Days before the ceasefire ends, the US has seized an Iranian vessel as Tehran downplays the prospect of peace talks. What is the path forward? Then: We head to Milan for Salone del Mobile and talk Watches and Wonders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How tourism in the UAE is staying resilient despite the Iran war
Almost seven weeks since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran, the Emirati city of Ras al-Khaimah is taking a cautious yet effective approach to its day-to-day business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Sharjah: The UAE’s start-ups look beyond the conflict
Our team in Sharjah discusses the Iran war’s impact on start-ups in the UAE. Plus: the latest Nordic news and what’s topping music charts in the emirates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Dubai: The state of tourism and education in the Gulf
Our team in Dubai hears from tourism and education voices dealing with conflict in the Gulf region. Plus: Donald Trump turns on Giorgia Meloni.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Abu Dhabi: Lebanese and Israeli officials set to meet in Washington for the first time in decades
Hezbollah has urged Lebanon to pull out of US-brokered talks with Israel. We speak to the Israeli ambassador to the UAE. Plus: the world’s biggest wine fair in Verona and we chat design in Abu Dhabi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US prepares to launch Iranian port blockade within hours and Viktor Orbán defeated in Hungary
Following the failure of talks between Washington and Tehran, we discuss why Donald Trump’s next move is a blockade of Iranian ports. Plus, Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, concedes defeat at the polls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The view from Beirut on Israel’s deadly strikes. And: Hungary’s pivotal elections
Israel has killed more than 300 people in Lebanon since the ceasefire. We head to Beirut for the latest. Then: Europe watches on as Hungary heads to the polls. Plus: New York City mayor Mamdani’s first 100 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US-Iran ceasefire tested by deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon
Fractures emerge in the US-Iran ceasefire as Tehran demands an end to attacks in Lebanon while Washington says that wasn’t part of the deal. Plus: the DNC meet in New Orleans and this week’s ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keir Starmer heads to the Gulf after the US and Iran agree to a ceasefire
We discuss reactions to the 11th-hour ceasefire between Iran and the US as the UK prime minister prepares to meet Gulf leaders for discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump’s Iran deadline approaches and JD Vance visits Hungary to bolster Victor Orbán’s election chances
There’s little sign of a breakthrough as US president Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to agree a deal or face devastating infrastructure attacks looms. Plus: Orbán faces a tough election, will a visit by US vice-president JD Vance help?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Asia’s worsening fuel crisis: a sign of what’s to come for Europe?
As the US-Israel war on Iran continues to send shockwaves across oil markets, we discuss how Asia is coping and what it might mean for Europe. Then: elections in Latin America and newspapers from Switzerland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Donald Trump starting to fire his cabinet?
Could the departure of Pam Bondi herald the start of a greater cabinet reshuffle? Plus: a look at life on the Ukrainian frontlines with Anastacia Galouchka, and Asia news with Tom Webb.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How would ending birthright citizenship change American society?
In a presidential first, Donald Trump attended the Supreme Court hearing on the changes to birthright citizenship that his administration is pushing for. Will the conservative-majority justices rule against him?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine’s Easter truce proposal and Israel’s death-penalty bill for Palestinians
Ukraine marks a grim anniversary in Bucha and pledges an Easter ceasefire. Then: international outcry over Israel’s new death-penalty bill for Palestinians. Plus: Nic Monisse with some exciting design news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran hits Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai – are energy targets now fair game?
Iran appears to be calling Donald Trump’s bluff by reportedly striking a Kuwaiti oil. Are energy targets now on the table? Plus: London looks to revitalise its fashion-capital status. And: Eurovision heads east.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new front in the Middle East as Houthis enter the conflict
Iran-backed Houthis have launched missiles against Israel. We discuss their control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and how their involvement could change the conflict. Plus: artist Tim Yip on his show at Art Basel Hong Kong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marco Rubio arrives at the G7 as Trump lashes out at allies
Who has the upper hand at the G7 as US secretary of state Marco Rubio arrives to garner support for military action in Iran while allies push for answers on how the conflict will end?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Philippines becomes the first country to declare a state of emergency over the global energy crisis
Protests break out in the Philippines over fuel shortages. We discuss the spreading impact of the Middle East conflict. Then: mixed messages on Iran negotiations continue. Plus: this week’s episode of ‘The Global Countdown’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The true state of US-Iran negotiations amid conflicting reports from Tehran, Washington and Islamabad
Pakistan offers to host US-Iran peace talks while Iranian officials warn “no one like us will make a deal”. Plus: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen resigns after weak election results and a Japanese pop icon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recommended
Write Me Dirty with Katherine Ryan
Quickly Kevin; will he score? The 90s Football Show
The Jon Richardson Show on Absolute Radio
British English Listening Practice - English Go! Podcast
BIG KICK ENERGY
Out To Lunch
A Life More Wild
Shut Up I’m Talking
ADHD Chatter
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe
