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
Father Kinvi’s story
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield meets Father Bernard Kinvi, a Catholic priest in Central African Republic who, as inter-ethnic fighting took hold of the country in 2013, put his own life at risk to…
Russian roulette
Following the annexation of Crimea, Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield asks where Russia might start meddling next. With Mary Dejevsky, Tonia Samsonova and Max Sher.
Poland’s soft power
As Poland’s former prime minister Donald Tusk assumes the presidency of the European Council, Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield hosts a discussion on Poland’s place on the world stage today. Featuring the Polish secretary…
A united Spain?
Following this month’s vote in Catalonia, can Spain remain united? Steve Bloomfield speaks to Pablo Calderón Martínez and José María Peredo Pombo to assess the country’s future, while Monocle’s Madrid correspondent Liam Aldous reports…
After Jerusalem
Following the murder of four Jews at a synagogue in Jerusalem, Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield asks what it means for peace in the region. He’s joined by Daniella Peled, Dimi Reider and Joseph…
Is this the man to lead Syria?
In a special edition of the Foreign Desk, Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield interviews the president of the Syrian National Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra.
Ebola: the update
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs an extended debate on whether the fight against Ebola is gaining ground. With James Schneider of New African magazine, Jina Moore of Buzzfeed News and Ben Webster of…
America’s broken politics
As voters across the US prepare to vote in this year’s midterm elections, Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield asks how legislators in Washington DC can reverse the tide of growing apathy across the country.
Saudi Arabia and the West
Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield hosts a discussion on why Saudi Arabia continues to hold so much influence in the West and whether the relationship with the Arab Gulf kingdom is shifting. Featuring former…
What next for Japan?
From Monocle’s new studio in Tokyo, foreign editor Steve Bloomfield presents a special discussion on Shinzo Abe’s premiership featuring professor Koichi Nakano of Sophia University in Tokyo and the *Times*’ Asia editor Richard Lloyd…
