The Briefing
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.Social links:
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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.
33:47
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.
32:34
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.
35:07
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.
34:08
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.
28:20
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.
34:20
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.
35:16
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.
30:34
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’.
31:37
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.
30:04