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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
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 US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Richard W Murphy, and author and commentator Thomas W Lippman.
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 Parry.
The Art of Speechwriting
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield hosts an extended discussion on the art of political speechwriting. Featuring Bill Clinton’s one-time chief speechwriter David Kusnet, UN secretary-general Kofi Annan’s former scribe Dr Sara Lodge and Antonin Baudry, erstwhile speechwriter to ex-prime minister of France Dominique de Villepin.
The State of Turkey
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield presents a special discussion from Istanbul on the state of Turkey today as reforms at home continue to stall and the battle against Isis militants rages in neighbouring Syria.
The Swedish election
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion on Sweden’s soon departing government following last week’s general election. Featuring journalist Staffan Sonning and outgoing foreign minister Carl Bildt.
Tony Abbott’s Year
Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield hosts a discussion on Australian prime minister Tony Abbott’s first year in office looking at immigration reform, climate policy and the nation’s presence on the world stage. With Annabel Crabb of ABC and Alex Oliver of the Lowy Institute.
The Foreign Desk: The Ebola crisis
Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield hosts an extended discussion on the continuing spread of the deadly Ebola virus in west Africa. Featuring Cokie van de Velde of Médecins Sans Frontières, Buzzfeed’s Jina Moore and Ike Anya, a Nigerian public health doctor.
The Foreign Desk: Independent thinking
Monocle’s Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion on what Scotland’s foreign policy might look like if the nation becomes independent. Featuring Hugo Rifkind from *The Times*, Jane Kinninmont of Chatham House, and actress Gabriel Quigley.
The Foreign Desk presents: The Soft Power of Football
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield assesses whether European football, which boasts some of the most popular and lucrative leagues in the world, is the continent’s most potent soft-power tool. Featuring football writers Raphael Honigstein and Jonathan Wilson.
