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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
Guinea: back under military rule
Guinea is no stranger to military coups but it had been hoped that the appointment of the country’s first elected leader, President Condé, would mark a new era of democracy. A little more than a decade, and a constitutional amendment, later Condé was ousted. Andrew Mueller explains what we know…
A New Dawn for Zambia?
It was a case of sixth time lucky for Hakainde Hichilema, who has become Zambia’s new president after five unsuccessful attempts. He inherits a troubled economy but his victory has raised hopes for change. How has he triumphed at last? And what effect might he have on aspiring leaders across…
Explainer 281: Are Israel and Palestine really working things out?
Israel’s defence minister and deputy prime minister, Benny Gantz, paid a visit to the West Bank, marking Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas’s first official meeting with a senior Israeli politician in more than a decade. Andrew Mueller explains how this appears to be more than it really is.
Afghanistan’s growing diaspora
US president Joe Biden has vowed to plough ahead with the evacuation of those trying to flee Afghanistan, despite Thursday’s deadly bombing by Islamic State. As tens of thousands move to escape Taliban rule, Afghanistan’s diaspora is about to grow larger. What is the journey out of Kabul like? Will…
Explainer 280: Duterte to stay?
The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has accepted an endorsement from his PDP party to run for vice-president at next year’s elections. Andrew Mueller explains why many see it as a way to cling to power beyond the six-year limit set out by the country’s constitution.
Afghanistan: what went wrong?
Twenty years of American-led intervention in Afghanistan ended in chaos last weekend after the Taliban retook Kabul in the face of minimal resistance. Why did Afghanistan’s expensively trained army melt away so quickly? Where does this leave Afghan civilians? And will this Taliban rule be any different from the previous…
Explainer 279: Poland and Israel – refusing reparations
Diplomatic ties between Poland and Israel are severing swiftly. It after the passing of a law in Poland that prevents the descendants of Holocaust survivors from claiming homes stolen from their families by Nazis and communists during, and since, the Second World War. Andrew Mueller explains why this is not…
Tunisia: what went wrong?
Ten years ago, Tunisia was praised as the only democracy to blossom from the Arab Spring. It managed to cast out a long-time dictator and establish political pluralism. But now the future of the country’s democracy is in limbo following president Kais Saied’s dismissal of parliament. How long will this…
Explainer 278: Who are the Taliban?
Over the past few days the Taliban have laid claim to several key cities across the outer provinces of Afghanistan. As fighting continues, Andrew Mueller outlines the history of these insurgents.
Eswatini: A kingdom in crisis
The tiny southern African nation of Eswatini has been rocked by civil unrest in recent weeks. Violent clashes between security forces and anti-government demonstrators have led to the deaths of more than 50 people. What has triggered these protests? Is King Mswati III willing to change course? And what’s to…
