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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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.
30:14
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’.
30:50
“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.
31:56
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.
32:12
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.
28:22
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.
32:04
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’.
32:27
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.
31:51
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?
26:41
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.
29:53