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
Post-Putin Russia
At some point, be it soon or not, Vladimir Putin will stop being the president of Russia. But after 18 years at the top and no clear line of succession, is it possible to…
Zimbabwe after Mugabe: now what?
Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule has come to an end amid jubilation at home and relief abroad. Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as the new president of Zimbabwe and faces the daunting task of…
Does Japan need a military?
Since the Second World War Japan has been a pacifist nation. But during that time it has built up an impressive defence force that, if it was a fully fledged military, would be the…
Trouble in the House of Saud
After an abrupt and significant week in Saudi Arabia, from shock resignations to missile interceptions, Christopher Lord looks at the state of the House of Saud and the reasons behind its recent change of…
A ‘new era’ for China?
Xi Jinping is, officially, China’s most powerful leader since Chairman Mao – his doctrine is enshrined in The Party’s constitution forever. But is China really at the start of a ‘new era’? Or have…
Who really runs the White House?
As commander in chief of the US and so-called leader of the free world, President Trump has achieved surprisingly little during his time in office. However, the country is still running and decisions are…
Gaza’s Future
After a decade of isolation from the West Bank, not to mention military bombardment from Israel, Hamas has finally reached an agreement with the Palestinian Authorities. But is it enough to bring The Strip…
Space: soft power’s final frontier
Is taking the giant leap into space still a muscle-flexing exercise for competing powers or has it become the blueprint for international co-operation? As Australia gears up to start its own space programme, we…
Will Puerto Rico ever be the 51st state?
Puerto Rico’s recent referendum on statehood saw 97 per cent vote in favour of joining the US. But it wasn’t legally binding and the devastation of Hurricane Maria has left the island with more…
Kurdistan – the end of Iraq?
This week more than 90 per cent of Iraqi Kurds voted in favour of seceding from Iraq – a predictable result that has nonetheless wrongfooted everybody. Can Iraq be kept together? Does it matter…
