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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
Explainer 234: Italy’s parliamentary shake-up
Italy’s Five Star Movement has won a referendum to reduce the numbers in parliament. But what does this actually mean – and can it be seen as an accurate reflection of the party’s clout? Andrew Mueller explains.
What is QAnon and why does it matter?
QAnon is not the first conspiracy theory to have run wild in American politics but it is the first to have been indulged and encouraged by the sitting president. Many millions of US voters believe some or all of it, despite a complete lack of evidence. Could it be a…
Explainer 233: Peru’s culture of presidential corruption
Peru’s president, Martín Vizcarra, is facing impeachment. This would be more outrageous for Peruvians were he not just the latest in a long line of presidents to be caught on corruption charges, as Andrew Mueller explains.
The Democrats – what have they learnt?
In the second episode of our series on the US election, we take a closer look at the party taking on the president. Have the Democrats learnt from their mistakes? What has changed since 2016? And can Joe Biden unify the party? Andrew Mueller talks to Errin Haines, Amy Pope…
Explainer 232: Ethiopia’s struggle to stay united
The Ethiopian state of Tigray is holding elections despite instructions from the federal government not to do so. Andrew Mueller explains the history behind this and the future ramifications.
How did the GOP become the party of Trump?
In the first episode of our series on the US election, we take a closer look at the party in power. Was Donald Trump an extension of a journey that the Republican party was taking already, or is the current president an anomaly? And what does the future of the…
Explainer 231: Paul Rusesabagina’s arrest
Paul Rusesabagina, the inspiration for the film ‘Hotel Rwanda’, has been arrested by the Rwandan government on charges of terrorism – but could dissent be his real crime? Andrew Mueller explores president Paul Kagame’s history of silencing critics.
Black Lives Matter: a movement or a moment?
Three months after the global wave of protests that followed the death of George Floyd, has anything shifted? How has the conversation around anti-racism moved on around the world? And why is the transition from solidarity to meaningful change so difficult? Andrew Mueller speaks to Rokhaya Diallo, Madeline Hayman-Reber, Yasmine…
Explainer 230: Greece vs Turkey
Andrew Mueller explains Greece and Turkey’s centuries-old geopolitical grudge match, stretching from the Ottoman Empire to the present day.
After Mali’s coup
After this week’s coup d’etat, how serious is Mali’s military about giving power back? How will it affect France’s relationship with Mali? And how worried are Mali’s neighbours? Andrew Mueller is joined by Amadou Thiam, Regina Sondo and Vincent Rouget.
