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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
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?
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.
