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
Mary Lou McDonald
In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to the president of Sinn Féin about the Irish party’s historic result in last February’s general election, how she manages the party’s historic link with the IRA, and the future she envisages for her country.
Explainer 227: Why Belarus’s presidential election might actually matter
This weekend’s presidential election in Belarus might not lead to the demise of Europe’s last dictator. But, as tensions rise domestically and with neighbouring Russia, Andrew Mueller explains why it is worth monitoring.
Peacemaking in the 21st century
In this special episode, Andrew Mueller is joined by Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia and recipient of the 2016 Nobel peace prize for his work ending Colombia’s half century-long civil war, and Jonathan Powell, former chief of staff to Tony Blair and chief negotiator on Northern Ireland. What…
Explainer 226: Mali’s malaise
Andrew Mueller examines the political unrest in Mali and its potential impact on West Africa.
Shinzō Abe’s plans for Japan
The Olympics were supposed to have started on 24 July. The Games should have been an opportunity for Shinzō Abe to present Japan as the major world power he believes it should be. What vision does Japan’s longest-serving prime minister have for his country? Andrew Mueller is joined by Tobias…
Explainer 225: Is it the end of the line for Omar al-Bashir?
Thirty years after seizing power in Sudan through a military coup, Omar al-Bashir faces indictment – and not for the first time. Andrew Mueller explains the significance.
Where is President Erdoğan going with this?
The Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul, a Unesco World Heritage site, has been turned back into a mosque. Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announced the decision last week after a court annulled the site’s museum status. But what is he trying to achieve? And how can the world engage with…
Explainer 224: Why Washington’s NFL team is changing its name
After decades of pressure, Washington’s NFL team has decided to ditch its name. As the debate over how the US expresses its history continues, Andrew Mueller explains why the change is finally happening.
Lebanon on the brink
Since October, the Lebanese lira has lost more than 80 per cent of its value. Lebanon’s long-suffering people now face losing their jobs, businesses and savings, as well as shortages of power and basic supplies. Andrew Mueller is joined by Leila Molana-Allen, Lina Khatib and Vicky Pryce for an insight…
Has the Confederacy finally surrendered?
More than 150 years after the US Civil War ended, Mississippi has decided to haul down the state flag that bore the Confederate battle standard. But are we witnessing more than just cosmetic alterations? Is the South really changing? And if so, how? Andrew Mueller speaks to Charles K Ross,…
