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The Foreign Desk
Monocle’s global-affairs show with Andrew Mueller. Expert guests, in-depth analysis, and sharp commentary on major geopolitical issues.
Latest Episodes
The Democrats’ warring factions: Each have won battles but who will win the war?
The Democrats’ centrist and progressive wings have each claimed victories in the primary cycle. Is the Democratic Party on the verge of re-assembling its circular firing squad? And who will win in November?
Explainer 530: Who even is Russia’s anti-war party?
Russia’s Supreme Court has barred the country’s only anti-war party from standing in parliamentary “elections”. Does the ban reflect an uptick in anti-war support or Putin’s ever-tightening grip on power?
The Ceuta border crisis: Who’s really threatening Schengen?
The migration crisis in Ceuta sparked a fierce response across Europe. Does it expose a genuine threat to the border-free Schengen zone or are governments using the surge for political gain?
Explainer 529: What’s driving Morocco’s Trump highway?
Morocco confirmed this week that it has named a major highway in Western Sahara after US president Donald Trump. But what’s the strategy behind awarding Trump a personal stake in the disputed territory?
CTRL + ALT + RIGHT: Has technofascism taken over Silicon Valley?
Thirty years ago, it was assumed that the internet would be an engine of liberal democracy. Now, Silicon Valley’s massive wealth is embracing power and promoting right-wing ideology. How did we get here?
Explainer 528: Does India’s Cockroach party have legs?
India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party is scuttling onto the political stage. It has already claimed one minister’s resignation but can continued protests force the government to give up more ground?
How can we ensure that the politics of heatwaves doesn’t cool off?
As Canada battles wildfires, Spain declares a national climate emergency and France evacuates tens of thousands, where do the politics around climate change stand? Is denialism gaining traction or is diplomacy winning the day?
Explainer 527: Andy Burnham and the revolving door of UK politics
Andy Burnham became the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years this week. Why has Britain adopted Italian-style political turbulence and is it here to stay?
When politics kicks off at the World Cup: what separates the screamers from the own goals?
The World Cup has always been political, including previous editions hosted by juntas and dictatorships. This year, presidents thumbed the scale and small nations made us dream again. Who scored and who was caught offside?
Explainer 526: Why Japan has been spooked into launching an intelligence service
Japan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now?
