15 August 2018
04 minutes
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 attending, and why some aren’t allowed to attend at all.
15 August 2018
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
What future awaits Hong Kong?
Twenty-five years ago, Hong Kong was handed back to China under a novel arrangement called “one country, two systems”. Following a tumultuous decade of unrest and government restrictions, what kind of future awaits Hong…
Explainer 334: What is the European Political Community?
Next month, Prague will host the first summit of the European Political Community. Andrew Mueller explains what it is and how it differs from the European Union.
Queen Elizabeth II: a funeral like no other
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be one of the largest diplomatic events in history. Emperors, kings, queens and other foreign leaders will descend on London to pay their respects to the UK’s longest-reigning monarch…
Explainer 333: ‘Lèse-majesté’
Monarchies can last only for as long as their citizens believe in them. Andrew Mueller examines what happens when the public doesn’t have a choice.
Apocalypse now?
From nuclear armageddon to climate change, fears over doomsday scenarios have a long history. But where does this obsession with the end of the world come from and what does this reveal about real-world politics? Andrew…
Explainer 332: Changing of the guard
This week, Liz Truss was announced as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. Andrew Mueller explains why visiting the Queen is the first (and last) stop for each PM.
Polar powers: the future of Arctic security
Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has called for the alliance to boost its presence in the Arctic amid Russia’s military build-up in the region. As the Arctic undergoes significant shifts due to climate change and…
Explainer 331: Who is Muqtada al-Sadr?
Earlier this week violent protesters took to Iraq’s streets, leading to several deaths and many people being injured – prompted by the sudden announcement of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s retirement from politics. Andrew…
Six months of war in Ukraine – what next?
As Ukraine marks 31 years of independence, exactly six months after Russia’s invasion of the country, we ask what the next few months might bring. Will Europe’s support for Ukraine hold? Andrew Mueller speaks to Marlene…
Explainer 330: Imran Khan
Former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has been charged by police with breaching the country’s anti-terror act. Andrew Mueller explains what this is all about.
Kenya’s new leader
William Ruto has been elected as Kenya’s next president, narrowly defeating veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. Who is William Ruto and how will he position Kenya on the world stage? Andrew Mueller speaks to Moses…
Explainer 329 – Scott Morrison: That’s not my job
Revelations have emerged that the former prime minister of Australia Scott Morrison had himself sworn in to five cabinet positions while serving as the leader of the government. Andrew Mueller tries to explain his rationale…
Moldova: Putin’s next target?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, there has been concern that Moldova might also be in Moscow’s sights. How threatened is Moldova and how can Europe help to protect it? Andrew Mueller speaks to Paula Erizanu, Val…
Explainer 328: Gaza
Last week Israel launched air strikes on targets in Gaza. Andrew Mueller explains what makes this event different from the usual warfare with Palestine.
The trouble with Taiwan
Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan trip was met with fury in Beijing, raising fears of a potential clash between the US and China. Was Pelosi’s visit a good idea? Can any lessons be drawn from Lithuania’s David-and-Goliath clash with…
