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
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.
Qassem Suleimani: the fallout
The effects of the assassination of Iranian military officer Qassem Suleimani and Iraq’s Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad on 3 January are yet to be fully seen. What is known is that it reignited or reaffirmed many of the tensions that previously existed. Tom Edwards chairs a discussion asking what…
Explainer 197: What’s at stake in Taiwan’s election?
Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen looks set to be re-elected this weekend but it will be a tough term, with China seeking reunification while opinion on the island shifts towards independence. James Chambers asks what the future might hold for Taiwan.
