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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
A new Ireland?
Last Saturday’s general election in the Republic of Ireland ended a solid, century-old political duopoly. Sinn Fein, the party best known as the political wing of the IRA, won more votes than Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. How and why did this happen, and what happens now? Andrew Mueller is…
Explainer 202: Did the president of El Salvador stage a coup d’etat?
The president of El Salvador stormed parliament at the weekend surrounded by armed troops. Opponents have accused him of attempting a coup d’etat. Andrew Mueller asks why someone already in charge would feel such a manoeuvre was necessary.
Can Burkina Faso help itself?
Burkina Faso has its share of problems – not least a growing number of attacks by jihadist groups. But with a weak government and underfunded security forces, what options does the country have? Will further French military support actually help? Andrew Mueller is joined by Mahamoudou Savadogo, Hannah Armstrong and…
Explainer 201: Who was Mad Mike Hoare?
The true story of Mad Mike Hoare is a throwback to a time when foreign policy could be made by a planeload of middle-aged white guys with guns taking over entire countries. Although this business model is now – thankfully – frowned upon, it has by no means disappeared. Andrew…
Antarctica: A place of peace and science
But for how much longer? Two hundred years after humans first glimpsed Antarctica, it remains a diplomatic anomaly, designated for science. Could the only continent on which a war has never been fought become less peaceful? Andrew Mueller is joined by Joseph Cook, Camilla Nichol and Klaus Dodds.
Explainer 200: Will Jared Kushner’s Middle East peace plan work?
No. No, it won’t. But that’s only if one assumes that the point of the plan is to actually provide a workable solution that suits both Israel and Palestine. Andrew Mueller looks at what could really be behind the so-called deal of the century.
Who will take on Trump?
As the US Democratic party takes steps towards choosing who will attempt to win the presidency, Andrew Mueller discusses the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses and asks if they are up to the job. Andrew is joined by Kara Voght, Asma Khalid, Jacob Parakilas, Olivia Nuzzi, Ryan Williams and Brian Klaas.
Explainer 199: What’s driving Turkey’s foreign policy?
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, fresh from the Libyan peace talks, has signalled that his sights are now set on Somalia. Andrew Mueller asks what he hopes to gain from these partnerships.
Samantha Power: part II
Former US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power also served as a foreign policy adviser for Barack Obama. She talks to Andrew Mueller about her memoir and discusses Obama’s foreign policy, Trump’s disruption of the diplomatic order and whether the US can reconcile its interests with its values.
Explainer 198: What is Russia really doing in Libya?
Russian president Vladimir Putin might be better known for starting disputes than trying to solve them. But he has displayed an uncharacteristic interest in bringing the civil war plaguing Libya to an end. Why? Andrew Mueller asks what might actually be in it for Russia.
