The Briefing

With Japan in recovery mode after a deadly earthquake, what can its disaster preparedness teach the world? Plus: tributes to late French DJ Kavinsky.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solutions for South Korea as it becomes the latest country to officially become a “super-aged” society. Plus: why it’s a buoyant time for the luxury cruise market.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky meets the fifth UK prime minister since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Does he have more value to offer Andy Burnham than the other way around? Plus: Cape Verde’s new soft power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We begin live from the West Bank after four people die in the deadliest attack of the year. Then: Donald Trump’s weaponisation of the Department of Justice. Plus: fashion news from Dior, Burberry and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington and Riyadh have inked a landmark pact which could allow the Gulf kingdom to develop its own civilian nuclear programme. We look at why the US president is letting Saudi Arabia achieve what it has fought so hard to prevent Iran from accomplishing.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volodymyr Zelensky replaces his top army chief and appeals to the former defence minister after protests in Ukraine. Plus: Monocle’s head of radio discusses the case for taking a sabbatical. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Lockheed Martin at the Farnborough Air Show about the renewed focus on European defence. Then: how China is patrolling the South China Sea and why the US Coast Guard could get involved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Aoun meets Marco Rubio ahead of his talks with the US president, Donald Trump. Then: Monocle's view of World Cup soft power, Italy's short-haul flights and how the global demand for luxury fashion brands is shifting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fernando Augusto Pacheco and Ed Stocker assess the mood ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final. Plus: what to expect from an unusual half-time show featuring Madonna and Shakira. Then: photographer Misan Harriman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack a new survey from PEW Research Center which shows that China is now viewed more positively than the US. Plus: Greener, Cooler, Healthier is a new platform providing nature-based solutions to urban heat.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an historic step that follows decades of divisiveness and years of negotiations, Gibraltar joins Europe’s border-free Schengen community.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.