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
Macron: one year on
For a centrist, Emmanuel Macron has divided opinions and/or confirmed that you can’t please of all of the people all of the time. But it doesn’t seem to be deterring him, a year into…
The price of inaction: Syria and what happens when we do nothing
When the US, the UK and France decided last week to launch airstrikes in Syria reactions were predictably divided. But has the idea that we shouldn’t intervene in other countries’ problems actually made them…
The Commonwealth: a members’ club worth joining?
As the Commonwealth Games draw to a close, and the Commonwealth heads of government meeting opens, Andrew Mueller asks if it is a happy family of democracies or just the ghost of a past…
Who wins in a trade war?
As the tariff spat between the US and China continues, Andrew Mueller asks if winning a trade war is even possible and, out of all the opponents in the world, why has president Trump…
Anti-semitism: the eternal lunacy
It would be wrong to describe anti-semitism as resurgent: it never went away. But it has become more voluble – and, in certain circles, more respectable. This episode looks at how the ancient conspiracy…
Dropping the gun?
For decades US schools have fallen victim to deadly attacks and nothing has changed. However after one of the more recent and most deadly the mood has changed – and it’s the pupils, not…
The Russian threat to democracy
This weekend Russians head to the polls in what might be one of the least-contested presidential elections in history. Not content with fixing his own country’s election, Vladimir Putin has been making a habit…
Full up?
Italy is the latest European country whose election has effectively been a referendum on immigration. Concerns about jobs, way of life and struggling public services are important issues. But can a country ever really…
Why Italy’s election matters
As Italians head to the polls this weekend, Andrew Mueller is joined by Gianni Riotta, Enrico Franceschini and Stephanie Kirchgaessner to discuss what’s at stake for Italy and Europe, and why Silvio Berlusconi is…
Korea opportunities
As the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics draw to a close, Andrew Mueller asks if the cross-border goodwill between North and South Korea can last.
