The Briefing Room

BBC Radio 4

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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393 episodes
Updated July 27

Episodes393

Newest first

Jul 3, 2025 · 28 min
Why is there a row about disability benefits?
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss why the benefits bill for disability has ballooned.
Jun 26, 2025 · 28 min
Iran: What happens next?
David Aaronovitch and guests consider the implications of the Israel Iran conflict.
Jun 19, 2025 · 7 min
Explainer: Tensions over Kashmir
A history of Kashmir and tension between India and Pakistan
Jun 12, 2025 · 7 min
Explainer: Putin’s motivation for war with Ukraine
We trace the evolution of Putin’s attitude towards Ukraine.
Jun 5, 2025 · 7 min
Explainer: A history of US tariffs
From McKinley to Trump, the rise, fall and rise again of US tariffs.
May 29, 2025 · 7 min
Explainer: Rare earths
We look at rare earths - What are they and why does everyone seem to want them?
May 22, 2025 · 28 min
What is ransomware and what can be done to stop it?
How should organisations deal with the threat of ransomware attacks?
May 15, 2025 · 28 min
What is Israel's plan for Gaza?
What is the long-term future for Gaza?
May 8, 2025 · 28 min
What are rare earths and why does everyone want them?
Who dominates the market for rare earths and critical minerals?
May 1, 2025 · 29 min
Are India and Pakistan on the brink of war over Kashmir?
Tension between India and Pakistan rises following the killing of tourists in Kashmir.
Apr 24, 2025 · 28 min
Can the UK become an AI superpower?
Can the UK become an AI superpower as the government hopes?
Apr 17, 2025 · 28 min
What cards does China hold?
What cards does China hold in the trade war with the US?
Apr 10, 2025 · 28 min
What's Trump's tariff hokey cokey all about?
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the strategy behind Trump's tariff policy.
Apr 3, 2025 · 28 min
What's happening in Turkey?
Are we seeing the end of democracy in Turkey?
Mar 27, 2025 · 28 min
What is Putin's bottom line?
David Aaronovitch asks what it would take for Putin to agree a peace deal in Ukraine.
Mar 20, 2025 · 28 min
What's the government trying to do to the NHS?
What are the government's plans for reforming the NHS?
Mar 13, 2025 · 28 min
Why is there a crisis in special educational needs?
Why is there a huge increase in spending on SEND, and why are parents still struggling?
Mar 6, 2025 · 28 min
Europe's defence dilemma
Can Europe defend itself without US support?
Feb 20, 2025 · 6 min
Explainer: What does Nato do?
We talk through the history of the military alliance
Feb 13, 2025 · 5 min
Explainer: A short history of conflict in Ukraine
A quick run down on how it developed