The Briefing

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.