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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 10: The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: why does it matter now?
We unpack the decades-long conflict in the landlocked region of Nagorno-Karabakh and ask how likely it is that it will go away.
Who will follow Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe?
The Robert Mugabe era is stumbling to an end: the 92-year-old is no longer a charismatic speaker and his aura of invincibility has long since disappeared. We ask who will follow him and what his departure will mean for Zimbabwe.
Explainer 9: Can Bernie Sanders become US President?
If a strong centre-right candidate had emerged in the race the picture we are seeing today might be very different. The odds seem to be massively in Hillary Clinton’s favour but is that really the case?
Recovering from Brussels
There are some aspects of this week’s attacks that are very particular to Belgium. Have the nation’s longstanding divisions influenced the attackers and hindered the response? And how has Belgium reacted to the events? We look at media, security and the nation’s identity – or lack of.
Explainer 8: Belgium’s identity crisis
In the wake of this week’s terrorist attacks in Brussels, now more than ever Belgium needs to develop a sense of national identity. But with 11 million people, six governments, three regions and three languages, what can bring this fractured nation together?
How to beat Donald Trump
The reality TV star may be on his way to the Republican nomination but winning a general election will be altogether tougher. Five campaign experts from around the world gather to tell us how they’d go about defeating him.
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?
