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
Global leaders: Benjamin Netanyahu
In part one of our summer series on global leaders we profile Israeli prime minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu. Soon to be the country’s longest-serving PM, he is also one of its most divisive. We speak to his [biographer](https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/bibi/) Anshel Pfeffer, former Knesset researcher Susan Hattis Rolef and CEO of Bicom…
Explainer 126: Nine-Fairfax – merger or takeover?
The loosening of media-ownership rules in Australia was meant to protect companies from a changing marketplace. But could it see the disappearance of a trusted newspaper publisher? Karen Middleton of ‘The Saturday Paper’ explains.
Airline soft power
As the northern hemisphere gears up for holiday season Andrew Mueller explores the importance of flag-carriers to a country’s brand and asks if they’re managing to keep up with their budget competitors. Featuring Tyler Brûlé, Tristan McAllister and Chatri na Ranong.
Explainer 125: Who’s fighting who in the Golan Heights?
Tensions are rising over the Golan Heights, as a Syrian military offensive approaches Israeli-occupied land. Monocle’s Beirut correspondent Lizzie Porter visits the contested area to find out why – and to speak to those displaced by war.
Pakistan’s election: a turning point?
On Wednesday 100 million registered voters in Pakistan will have the chance to decide their next prime minister. But the military remains a powerful political force and corruption is rife so what chance does the winner have of making positive change? Andrew Mueller is joined by Samira Shackle, Ayesha Siddiqa…
Explainer 124: Why is Spain digging up its past?
Spain’s socialist government is planning to exhume the body of the country’s former dictator, Francisco Franco. Although controversial, is this an opportunity for the nation to move on from Franco’s divisive legacy?
Scotus: how long can it stay impartial?
This week Donald Trump nominated his second justice to the Supreme Court. Brett Kavanaugh, if approved by the senate, can expect to be in his new job for the rest of his life. But is the court, which is supposed to be impartial to party politics, veering sharply right? Andrew…
Explainer 123: Brexit: what the heck is going on now?
Just over two years after the UK voted to leave the EU, prime minister Theresa May’s government finally came up with a plan on how to do it. But many members of that government were so unhappy with the plan they resigned. So, Andrew Mueller asks, what now?
A world without Nato?
Nato’s heads of state and government will meet in Brussels this week. With Russia becoming more defiant and the US less interested in co-operation, does the alliance have a future and, if so, what does it look like? Andrew Mueller is joined by Robert Fox, Elisabeth Braw and Fabrice Pothier.
Explainer 122: Trudeau’s town-hall strategy
Canada’s economy is growing and its immigration policies have been met with little hostility. However, relations with its largest trading partner, the US, are unpredictable and the man who has led the resurgence of ‘brand Canada’ internationally is facing fluctuating poll numbers. With just over a year to go until…
