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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
The Foreign Desk: The fight against Islamic State
Monocle foreign-editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion on the fight against Islamic State militant forces in Iraq and Syria. Featuring Shashank Joshi of the Royal United Services Institute and Iraqi commentator Zaid al-Ali.
The state of the UN
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield presents a special edition of the programme from New York as we discuss the UN’s significance in the modern world. Featuring Sir Nigel Rodley of the UN Human Rights Committee, diplomat Reza Afshar and author Dr Kate Seaman.
The Foreign Desk presents: Conflicts of Interest
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield introduces a special documentary edition of *The Foreign Desk* assessing how armed forces around the world are increasingly using soft-power techniques to achieve their goals.
The Foreign Desk presents: Nigeria in crisis
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion on the path ahead for Nigeria as the Islamist group Boko Haram solidifies its hold over large parts of the country. Featuring Chatham House’s Leena Koni Hoffman, poet and writer Tolu Ogunlesi, and commentator Belinda Otas.
The Foreign Desk presents: Covering Gaza
Monocle foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a debate on how news organisations cover the ongoing conflict between Hamas and the Israeli military. Featuring Ian Black, Middle East editor at *The Guardian* newspaper, Baria Alamuddin, foreign editor at *Al Hayat*, and Mohammed Omer, an independent journalist from Gaza.
World Cup dreams
Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield looks back at this year’s World Cup in Brazil, focusing on the future of the tournament and Fifa, the body that organises it. With author and broadcaster David Goldblatt and poet and football writer Musa Okwonga.
The Foreign Desk presents: The state of Kurdistan
A debate on the future of Iraqi Kurdistan chaired by foreign editor Steve Bloomfield, as Iraq’s military continues its fight against Isis forces in the country. Featuring Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Iraqi Kurdistan’s High Representative to the UK, and Irbil-based journalist Hiwa Osman.
Brits abroad
Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion on British foreign policy. From involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq to the decisive vote on military intervention in Syria last year, we assess the UK’s role on the world stage. Featuring Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Lord David Owen..
The art of political reporting
From scandal at Toronto City Hall to a night at the theatre with Silvio Berlusconi (and a female entourage), we hear from those who have witnessed political upheaval up close. Featuring Kevin Donovan of the *Toronto Star*, Natalia Angius from Italian broadcaster Rai and Josh Gerstein of Politico.
Libya: the death of a revolution
As Libya continues to grapple with the transition from dictatorship to democracy, Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a debate on the future of the country. With Magdalena Mughrabi of Amnesty International, former Libyan MP Hassan al-Amin and journalist Mary Fitzgerald.
