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
South America and coronavirus
Coronavirus had some way to travel to reach South America but it got there. And for distinctive national reasons, some of the continent’s countries look more vulnerable than others. We hear from our correspondents…
The geopolitical consequences of Covid-19
As the US abandons its role as global leader, which countries are seeing an opportunity to fill the vacuum? In this episode Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé talks to Nader Mousavizadeh, co-founder and…
A century of multilateralism
If we date modern multilateralism from the founding of the League of Nations, it is an idea which celebrates its hundredth birthday this year. As the world attempts to tackle a global crisis, what…
The Covid-19 recession
The Covid-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health emergency but it is also an economic crisis. Economist Vicky Pryce and finance analyst Louise Cooper measure the potential recession and discuss possible solutions, while…
Saudi Arabia: the struggle for power
Even by Saudi Arabia’s own Shakespearean standards of palace intrigue, this past week has been extraordinary. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has arrested at least two of his royal relatives, along with other officials…
Has the US learnt anything from its longest war?
Nearly 19 years after invading Afghanistan, the US has agreed a peace deal with the Taliban. But is that really going to be an end to it? And will the US ever try anything…
Covid-19: how, why and what next?
Worldwide responses to Covid-19 have been robust: flight suspensions, travel restrictions and quarantines. There has already been a severe economic impact. The political impacts will take longer to become apparent. How are different governments…
Syria: who wants what?
A nine-year civil war has brought immense suffering upon the Syrian people. But this has never been only a Syrian conflict. Aside from the fighting between Syria’s government and Syrian rebel groups, the war…
A new Ireland?
Last Saturday’s general election in the Republic of Ireland ended a solid, century-old political duopoly. Sinn Fein, the party best known as the political wing of the IRA, won more votes than Fianna Fail…
Can Burkina Faso help itself?
Burkina Faso has its share of problems – not least a growing number of attacks by jihadist groups. But with a weak government and underfunded security forces, what options does the country have? Will…
