The Briefing Monocle Radio

We hear about the huge protests that have broken out in Georgia over the introduction of a new foreign influence bill, described by critics as the “Russian law”. The bill, which has been rushed through ahead of elections, targets civil-society organisations and independent media that receive foreign funding. Plus, we find out why President Putin has changed his defence minister and opened up a new front in Ukraine; Nordic nations meet to discuss closer economic and security co-operation and we’ll hear about the backstage drama at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. 
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As Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky replaces the head of his personal protection unit after two of its officers were detained over an alleged assassination plot against him. We examine what this and other staffing shake-ups might indicate. Then: after Iran-backed Houthi rebels vow to broaden their attacks in the Red Sea, we ask how much longer companies can afford alternative routes. Plus: the latest from Trump’s hush-money trial and could the UK be about to get a new political party?
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Joe Biden warns Benjamin Netanyahu against an Israeli offensive in Rafah, saying that he is prepared to cut off supplies if troops enter the city. We get the latest. Then: we check in on North Macedonia’s elections and explore why Apple’s latest advertising campaign has prompted unprecedented backlash. Plus: Vietnam’s snub to the EU and our man in Malmö previews Eurovision.
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We discuss today’s EU meeting on new sanctions on Russia. Then we bring you the latest from Tokyo as prime minister Fumio Kishida returns from his diplomatic trip to Brazil and Paraguay. Plus: business news and why the redesign of the Swiss army knife will remove a crucial element: the knife.
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As Xi Jinping visits Europe for the first time in five years, we examine the pressure that European leaders are putting on Xi Jinping over the war in Ukraine. And has Turkey’s suspension of trade with Israel had any tangible effect? Then: as student protests continue to shake university campuses across the globe, we ask a Princeton University professor what can be learnt from them. Plus: an interview with the Finnish entrant of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

 
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Chad holds its first presidential election since the coup in 2021. Plus, a culture round-up with Fernando Augusto Pacheco. Live from London with Chris Cermak. 
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