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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 threats to democracy
Special episode in association with the Nordic Council of Ministers. ‘The Foreign Desk’ has teamed up with the Nordic Council of Ministers for a series of five special episodes that delve deeper into topics of global importance from the region. This episode looks at the growing threats to democracy in…
Explainer 188: What is different about Lebanon’s protests?
As people across the world are taking to the streets, Andrew Mueller explains why there’s optimism around protests in Lebanon, where demonstrators are calling for the government to resign over a tax on WhatsApp calls.
The battle for Rojava
When US president Donald Trump withdrew US troops from Syria, he bewildered many among his own military, intelligence and foreign-policy establishments. But, most of all, his decision dismayed the Kurds of Northern Syria, long-serving allies to the US in the fight against Isis. As Turkish forces roll into the region…
Explainer 187: Who is Kais Saied?
Tunisia has just elected a new president and it’s only the second time it has ever done so. Kais Saied is a big favourite among Tunisia’s impatient youth – but can he meet their expectations?
How lawless are the oceans?
In an ever more monitored world, escaping to the high seas might seem like a romantic idea. For some, however, being that far off the grid means being exploited, often while undertaking illicit activities. Who should be controlling what happens on the world’s oceans, and what’s being done to help…
Explainer 186: The Kurds: the latest betrayal
This week Donald Trump announced that he would not stop Turkish troops entering northern Syria, opening a path to the Kurdish people who live there. In doing so he allowed history to repeat itself: the Kurds are no strangers to being forgotten, ignored and openly betrayed by the international community.…
Ageing populations
*Special episode in association with the Nordic Council of Ministers* We’ve teamed up with the Nordic Council of Ministers for a series of five special episodes delving deeper into topics of global importance from the region. In this episode, Michael Booth explains how the Nordic countries are attempting to see…
Explainer 185: Bobi Wine’s red beret
Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, is no stranger to suppressing opposition – but his move to ban popstar-turned-opposition leader Bobi Wine from wearing his trademark red beret is one of his most inventive yet. Andrew Mueller wonders if it will be enough to calm the country’s restless youth, who are sick…
The Gulf after oil
Arab Gulf states owe much of their geo-strategic importance to fossil fuels. But even the most oil-soaked petro-kingdom knows that the wells will cease gushing eventually. If the Gulf becomes a centre of renewable energy, what will that mean for the region’s politics? Andrew Mueller is joined by Mehran Kamrava,…
Explainer 184: Unlawful, void and of no effect
This week’s ruling by the UK Supreme Court is a huge blow to prime minister Boris Johnson and his government as they try to shove the country out of the EU on 31 October. Andrew Mueller tries to decipher what should happen now, which is probably nowhere near what will…
