About THE BRIEF
THE BRIEF is a leading platform dedicated to providing insightful analysis, expert opinions, and in-depth discussions on global affairs, diplomacy, and international relations. Our mission is to decode complex geopolitical issues and make them accessible to a global audience.
Over the years, THE BRIEF has gained recognition for its thought-provoking content, high-quality reporting, and engaging discussions that shape conversations in international affairs. Subscribe!
Literary Salons
A brief history.
“An 1814 oil painting by Anicet Lemonnier showing the Parisian salon of Madame Geoffrin (1699-1777). Original title: Une soirée chez Mme Geoffrin. The sitters include Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Denis Diderot, Montesquieu, and Fontenelle. Madame Geoffrin is shown seated in the front row, third from the right.”
Source: World History Encyclopedia
“The salon was a notably French cultural event, a private social gathering where a mixture of guests openly discussed art, literature, philosophy, music, and politics. Salons were particularly but not exclusively associated with Paris and were most often hosted by wealthy and well-connected women.
The salon guests came from varied backgrounds, and so, as there was a democratic, cosmopolitan, and tolerant atmosphere to the proceedings, salons were an opportunity to hear different views from varied levels of society.
They were also an opportunity to encounter new ideas, sometimes radical ones, in various fields, and so they contributed to the spread of Enlightenment thought. The salon certainly became a cultural institution, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, not only in France but also in several other European cities and in North America.”
THE BRIEF Young Diplomats Circle
We have started a diplomatic circle for recently posted diplomats in the capitals: New York, Geneva, Paris, London, and Copenhagen. They are early and mid-career diplomats keen on digital diplomacy and the impact of digital on multilateralism.
Pay here through Substack for a year subscription to THE BRIEF — and your membership to THE BRIEF Young Diplomats Club will start automatically. Once you are a paid subscriber you will receive invitations to purchase tickets to our events.
Past events at Google Campus in London:
Photo Credit: Maya Plentz | Tech Taste events at Google Campus, in London.
Producer Assistant Internship at THE BRIEF
Please share widely.
About the Role
We are looking for a creative, strategic, and ambitious assistant producer (Internship - Unpaid) to join our growing content team.
This role is ideal for someone who has a strong passion for international affairs, excellent digital storytelling abilities, and a keen understanding of audience engagement. The ideal candidate should be able to craft compelling scripts and concepts and edit on iMovie, with values that align with THE BRIEF’s mission of delivering insightful and engaging global affairs content.
As a key player in our content strategy, you will be responsible for producing our newsletter and editing videos. This will range from explainer videos and policy deep dives to trend-driven discussions and expert collaborations. You will work closely with our creative, editorial, and production teams to ensure that our videos are informative, thought-provoking, and drive audience engagement.
If you have a deep understanding of international affairs, enjoy researching and writing engaging scripts, and are familiar with digital media trends, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Responsibilities
- Write engaging, high-impact scripts optimized for YouTube, blending education, analysis, and storytelling.
- Develop innovative, trend-driven content ideas that align with current global affairs, policy developments, and audience interests.
- Create treatment decks to clearly communicate creative intent, including scripting and visual references.
- Ensure strong hooks, compelling narratives, and audience retention techniques.
- Collaborate with our editorial team and subject matter experts to craft scripts that are accurate, engaging, and aligned with THE BRIEF’s brand voice.
- Optimize video scripts for YouTube algorithms, incorporating SEO-driven elements (titles, keywords, CTAs) to maximize reach and engagement.
- Stay ahead of international affairs trends, viral content, and YouTube best practices, proposing fresh and relevant storytelling ideas.
- Proofread scripts and refine content based on data-driven insights, audience feedback, and evolving editorial needs.
- Work closely with production teams to ensure that concepts are effectively translated into high-quality video content.
Who You Will Work With
Reporting to the Head of Content, you will collaborate with:
- Editors & Analysts
- Video Production Team
- Digital Marketing Team
- External Experts & Contributors
About You
- Strong scriptwriting and storytelling skills, with experience writing for YouTube and digital video content.
- Passion for international affairs, diplomacy, and global policy discussions.
- Ability to research and distill complex topics into engaging, accessible content.
- Understanding of YouTube best practices, including SEO, audience retention, and engagement strategies.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
- Attention to detail with strong proofreading and editing abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet tight deadlines.
- Adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to evolving editorial priorities.
Why Join Us?
- Gain hands-on experience in digital content creation and international affairs reporting.
- Build a strong portfolio of work published on a global platform.
- Work with a passionate team dedicated to high-quality journalism and analysis.
- Opportunity to connect with industry experts and thought leaders in global affairs.
- Flexible remote working arrangement.
Note: This is an unpaid internship designed for students, recent graduates, or individuals looking to gain experience in digital media and international affairs.
The position is part-time to accommodate academic or professional commitments. Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 PM CET. Hybrid. 20 hours a week. 3 months max.
If you are passionate about international affairs and digital storytelling, we encourage you to apply and be part of THE BRIEF’s mission to shape global conversations.
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter, and 2 recent writing samples relevant to international affairs and 2 digital content creations, and a link to your visual arts portfolio. Must be proficient with Substack, WordPress, image editing tools, Canva, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, etc.
The position is not paid but will you learn and interact with leaders in tech and international affairs, will have the opportunity to follow closely the work of the UN in Geneva and New York, and all its specialized and humanitarian agencies worldwide, participate in some of the events as well as follow press briefings in New York.
You must demonstrate a sense of urgency on delivering high quality work, factually checked, and accurate spelling + good grammar in French and English is a must for this position.
