21 February 2015
Episode 59
24 minutes
With the US set to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, Monocle's Steve Bloomfield assesses the state of play. Featuring artist Tania Bruguera – currently under arrest for a performance she gave in Havana's Revolution Square – Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute, and Emily Morris, a commentator on Cuba’s economy.
21 February 2015
Share episode
DownloadWant more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle's email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Foreign Desk - latest episodes
Autonomous weapons and the future of war
Advances in military technology pose profound questions of morality and law – as well as opportunity on the battlefield. But what happens when (and the time is not far off) weapons can think for themselves? Andrew Mueller…
Explainer 133: What is the significance of Mexico City’s mariachi murders?
Five people were killed after three men dressed as mariachi musicians started shooting in a busy tourist area in Mexico City. The capital has largely escaped the violence of other regions but is this changing? And will…
Brazil’s baffling ballot
The lead-up to next month’s elections has been nothing short of extraordinary, even by Brazilian standards. But the results should not be overlooked given that the victor will take charge of South America’s biggest economy…
Explainer 132: The EU vs Viktor Orban
This week, MEPs voted in favour of unprecedented disciplinary action against Hungary over alleged breaches of the EU's core values. Prime minister Viktor Orban has been accused of attacking the media and refusing refugees…
What does Brexit mean for British Overseas Territories?
Among the ever-increasing number of things that weren’t really considered during the run up to the Brexit vote was what would happen to Britain’s 14 overseas territories. For some it might pose some minor inconveniences but…
Explainer 131: Korean train diplomacy
Can a rail link connecting North and South Korea help ease tensions between the countries? And, if so, why isn’t it being allowed to go ahead? Monocle’s Asia editor at large Kenji Hall explains.
Is Kosovo's border in the right place?
Previously a red line at the negotiating table, the idea of a land swap between Serbia and Kosovo is now being touted by both countries’ leaders. However, the idea hasn't been received well by the international community…
Explainer 130: Iran: parliament vs president
This week Iran’s parliament moved a step closer to impeaching president Hassan Rouhani. Despite his high public ratings, the dire economic situation since the US pulled out of the nuclear deal have led to his colleagues…
Global leaders: Narendra Modi
In the final part of our summer series on global leaders, we profile Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. He campaigned on a promise to modernise India – a task not for the faint of heart – but since taking office his…
Explainer 129: The people vote again?
Since the UK voted to leave the European Union there have been many attempts to try to stop it from happening. The most recent comes in the form of a donation from the founder of fashion brand Superdry. Andrew Mueller asks…
Global leaders: Miguel Díaz-Canel
In part three of our summer series on global leaders we profile Cuba’s new president Miguel Díaz-Canel. After almost 60 years, the revolutionary Castro brothers have handed over power. Andrew Mueller – joined by Helen Yaffe…
Explainer 128: Pacific Islands Forum
At the beginning of September, the 18 full-time members of the Pacific Islands Forum will gather on the tiny atoll of Nauru. Our Hong Kong bureau chief James Chambers explains why not everyone is looking forward to atten…
Global leaders: Theresa May
In part two of our summer series on global leaders we profile UK prime minister Theresa May. The Conservative party leader was handed the poisoned chalice of Brexit little more than two years ago. Andrew Mueller – joined…
Explainer 127: What does Ontario’s new premier tell us about politics in Canada?
Anyone wanting a glimpse of what might be unfolding in Canadian politics should look to Ontario, which has just elected Doug Ford – brother of the late crack-smoking mayor of Toronto, Rob – as its new premier. In the ope…
Global leaders: Benjamin Netanyahu
In part one of our summer series on global leaders we profile Israeli prime minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu. Soon to be the country’s longest-serving PM, he is also one of its most divisive. We speak to his biographer…
