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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
Explainer 7: Russia’s involvement in Syria
Russian president Vladimir Putin has announced that most of his troops will be leaving Syria. We ask why they were there in the first place and discuss what this withdrawal will mean for peace in the country.
Lula’s legacy
To fall from Brazil’s most popular and celebrated president to a suspect in one of Latin America’s largest corruption investigations is a disaster not only for Lula da Silva, the left-wing leader who helped lift tens of millions out of poverty, but also for his loyal and devoted followers. The…
Explainer 6: Could Donald Trump become US president?
Donald Trump is currently leading the race to become the Republican nominee for president. But even though he’s won a dozen primaries and caucuses across the country, it doesn’t mean he has twice as many delegates.
Why refugee camps don’t work
The refugee camp should be a place of safety – a camp for those seeking refuge. But the reality is very different: from Calais to the borders of Syria refugee camps have become places of despair. We ask if there is a way to make them work?
Explainer 5: Turkey and the EU
One of the largest nations in Europe isn’t in the EU. And despite fresh talks between Turkey and EU leaders later this month, it’s unlikely to be joining any time soon.
What is Australia’s role in the world?
It’s a question that the country’s politicians have long grappled with: Australia’s history links it to the UK, it’s language and politics to the US and it’s geography to Asia. Listen to the discussion as Steve Bloomfield is joined by Dr Euan Graham from the Lowy Institute and Karen Middleton,…
Explainer 4: Democracy in East Africa
Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni was re-elected in controversial fashion last week: votes were bought, social media was blocked and the opposition leader was arrested. Yet the election didn’t get much coverage from international media outlets. We ask why the west isn’t interested in East African democracy.
The difficult diplomacy behind captivity
Prisoner swaps and hostage exchanges are some of the most difficult pieces of diplomacy to pull off – and they require careful negotiation and bring up ethical dilemmas for nations too. This week we explore the difficult diplomacy behind captivity and hear the story of Nigel Brennan, who was kidnapped…
Explainer 3: What would happen if North Korea collapsed?
Once again, tensions between the top brass in Pyongyang and Seoul are high. After North Korea’s decision to carry out a nuclear test and launch a test rocket earlier this year, its neighbour warned Kim Jong-un that he faces regime collapse. And yet, perversely, isn’t that South Korea’s greatest fear?
US election special: Polling
Polls are not always accurate and in the US they are more regular and more detailed than everywhere else. But can polling actually shape a campaign, rather than merely reflect it? In this special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk’ from New York we look at the upcoming US elections and…
