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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
Rouhani’s Record
With presidential elections in May, Iranians have a rare chance to show either their support or their discontent for Hassan Rouhani. Steve Bloomfield sits down with Mehrad Vaezinejad and Maryam Namazie to discuss what really matters to Iranians at home and what chance, if any, there is of real reform.
China and Trump
What will Donald Trump’s presidency mean for China? He’s tested the water with tough rhetoric – and that phone call to Taiwan – and Beijing has reacted accordingly, albeit with caution. But which of the two greatest powers will come out on top? Steve Bloomfield sits down with ambassador Chas…
Obama’s legacy
As Barack Obama’s eight years as president draw to an end and the unpredictable era of Trump looms, Steve Bloomfield discusses his legacy. From wars in the Middle East to Obamacare, social justice and the environment – what could his administration have done better and how many policies will survive…
Looking ahead to 2017
Steve Bloomfield is joined by Quentin Peel, Oscar Guardiola Rivera and Rosemary Hollis for a look ahead to 2017 and some of the reasons to be hopeful in the year to come.
Looking back at 2016
Steve Bloomfield is joined by Quentin Peel, Oscar Guardiola Rivera and Rosemary Hollis for a look back at the year in affairs, politics and diplomacy.
The fall of Aleppo
The United Nations described it as “a complete meltdown of humanity”. It wasn’t just the level of destruction and the loss of civilian lives, it was the fact that we knew this was going to happen and still nothing was done. Will anyone ever be held responsible?
Portugal: a lesson for Europe’s left?
One of the overarching political stories of the past decade has been the steady decline in Europe of the centre-left. But an exception can be found in Portugal. Four parties – the centre left Socialists, the Communist party, the Left Bloc and the Greens – have formed an alliance. And…
The French left
President François Hollande has an approval rating of 4 per cent and it’s hard to see how any of the leading Socialists candidates can make it into the second round of next spring’s presidential election. So how did the French left get into this mess and what would it take…
Ghana votes
A presidential election in Ghana doesn’t tend to get much coverage in western media and the reason is very simple: it tends to run smoothly. Unlike many of its neighbours it’s a real democracy – power has changed hands between political parties. The country goes to the polls again next…
The Foreign Desk Live
Last Tuesday we hosted a special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk Live’ from our London HQ in front of a sold-out audience. The topic? Donald Trump and what his election means for the rest of the world. Steve Bloomfield was joined on stage by Bill Emmott, Xenia Wickett, Sir William…
