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
Global leaders: Benjamin Netanyahu
In part one of our summer series on global leaders we profile Israeli prime minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu. Soon to be the country’s longest-serving PM, he is also one of its most divisive. We speak to his [biographer](https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/bibi/) Anshel Pfeffer, former Knesset researcher Susan Hattis Rolef and CEO of Bicom…
Airline soft power
As the northern hemisphere gears up for holiday season Andrew Mueller explores the importance of flag-carriers to a country’s brand and asks if they’re managing to keep up with their budget competitors. Featuring Tyler Brûlé, Tristan McAllister and Chatri na Ranong.
Pakistan’s election: a turning point?
On Wednesday 100 million registered voters in Pakistan will have the chance to decide their next prime minister. But the military remains a powerful political force and corruption is rife so what chance does the winner have of making positive change? Andrew Mueller is joined by Samira Shackle, Ayesha Siddiqa…
Scotus: how long can it stay impartial?
This week Donald Trump nominated his second justice to the Supreme Court. Brett Kavanaugh, if approved by the senate, can expect to be in his new job for the rest of his life. But is the court, which is supposed to be impartial to party politics, veering sharply right? Andrew…
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 does it look like? Andrew Mueller is joined by Robert Fox, Elisabeth Braw and Fabrice Pothier.
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 world’s most prosperous countries, immigration is what has made them. So why do some fight so…
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 Ahmed Soliman.
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 opportunity. Was the interest focused on the politics, or just the novelty of seeing two unlikely…
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 part of the election process in one of the world’s most violent countries or does the…
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? Andrew Mueller is joined by Andrea Berger, Shashank Joshi and Nahlah Ayed.
