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
A world without Nato?
Nato’s heads of state and government will meet in Brussels this week. With Russia becoming more defiant and the US less interested in co-operation, does the alliance have a future and, if so, what…
Why are we still scared of immigration?
People have always travelled the world in search of discovery. Only recently have borders been imposed and restrictions been placed on those who wish to relocate. But, in the case of some of the…
An Ethiopian Spring?
After years of political oppression, violent protests and internal conflicts, could Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, lead the country into a new era? Andrew Mueller is joined by Mohammed Ademo, Michala Wrong and…
Do we still need international summits?
With so many international summits taking place it’s hard to keep up, let alone remain interested. The recent meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, however, reignited the media’s passion for a handshake photo…
Who is killing Mexico’s mayors?
The run-up to Mexico’s elections in July have been far from ordinary: many of the candidates have been killed and even more have decided that it isn’t worth the risk. But is this just…
Do sanctions really work?
Sanctions are a good way for a country to show that they are unhappy with the way another country is acting but who do they really punish? And are they just the easy option?…
EU enlargement: one out, who’s in?
The UK is still hellbent on leaving the EU. Meanwhile, Macedonia and Albania are set to be the next countries to join the union. As with any organisation, however, growing too large comes with…
Does China really want to rule the world?
China is fast becoming, if it isn’t already, the world’s next superpower. But how questionable are the methods it’s using to sustain its influence over those it seeks to control, and does it really…
Hezbollah: what does it want now?
The Shi’a militia Hezbollah and its allies did well in Lebanon’s overdue parliamentary election. But what does it mean for the future of the movement – and what might that mean for the wider…
The Iran nuclear deal: does Trump have any better ideas?
The Iran nuclear deal is under scrutiny yet again, and not just from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. But what are the alternatives? And what would an end to the deal mean for Iran, as…
