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
Russia in Syria
As Russia’s bombing campaign in Syria intensifies, questions are raised over who Vladimir Putin is really targeting; we take a careful look at what his ambitions in the region might be. Our guests are…
Canada’s political attack ads
From the outside, the world of Canadian political attack ads is bemusing; from the inside it’s a vital part of any successful campaign. Misquoting your opponents, lambasting their policies or insulting their hair –…
When Europeans were the refugees
In the wake of the migrant crisis currently affecting Europe, we look back to the times when Europeans were the ones seeking refuge. From those who left for political reasons to those with their…
Whistleblowers: Exposing the truth
Grand corruption, missing billions, and state-sponsored violence: would you turn a blind eye or blow the whistle? Monocle’s Steve Bloomfield hears from three whistleblowers to learn how they discovered the truth and how exposing…
Millennium Development Goals
Fifteen years after the Millennium Development Goals were set, it’s time for a review. Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion asking if these targets for global development worked. Michela Wrong and Simon…
Rwanda’s Paul Kagame
Despite his dubious approach to democracy and his role in regional conflict, Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame has received the ear and praise of many world leaders. Why? Steve Bloomfield asks his guests Phil Clark…
Politics on the big screen
In the final episode of our series on politics and the arts, we turn to film. From drama to documentaries, what makes for great political cinema? And who decides whether or not a film…
Politics on the small screen
In the third episode of our series on politics and the arts, we turn to television. From ‘Borgen’ to ‘The West Wing’, what makes for a great political drama? And what grabs audiences? With…
Politics on the page
In the second episode of our series looking at politics and the arts, we turn to literature. What makes for a political novel? Who decides? And what is the future of political fiction? With…
Politics on stage
Steve Bloomfield hosts the first in a series of programmes looking at politics and the arts. Today we turn to politics and theatre. What is the relationship between the two? What exactly is ‘political…
