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
Why are we still scared of immigration?
People have always travelled the world in search of discovery. Only recently have borders been imposed and restrictions been placed on those who wish to relocate. But, in the case of some of the world’s most prosperous countries, immigration is what has made them. So why do some fight so…
Explainer 121: Who does Hong Kong support in the World Cup?
Every four years, football fever peaks worldwide. But for those whose national team didn’t make the finals, deciding who to cheer for can be a surprisingly political choice. Our Hong Kong bureau chief, James Chambers, finds out who has the territory’s backing this year.
An Ethiopian Spring?
After years of political oppression, violent protests and internal conflicts, could Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, lead the country into a new era? Andrew Mueller is joined by Mohammed Ademo, Michala Wrong and Ahmed Soliman.
Explainer 120: Separating families – is the White House right to blame lawmakers?
Images of children in detention centres have shocked the world this week but even after signing an executive order to keep families together, Trump still insists that Congress and the Democrats are to blame. Is this more of Trump’s trademark deflection or does he have a point? Monocle’s New York…
Do we still need international summits?
With so many international summits taking place it’s hard to keep up, let alone remain interested. The recent meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, however, reignited the media’s passion for a handshake photo opportunity. Was the interest focused on the politics, or just the novelty of seeing two unlikely…
Explainer 119: Who is really going to win the World Cup?
Lifting the trophy at the end of the World Cup would be great, sure. But for the 31 other countries taking part, all will not be lost when their time in the tournament is done. The underdogs, the unexpected victors, the villains – every team, and therefore country, is entering…
Who is killing Mexico’s mayors?
The run-up to Mexico’s elections in July have been far from ordinary: many of the candidates have been killed and even more have decided that it isn’t worth the risk. But is this just part of the election process in one of the world’s most violent countries or does the…
Explainer 118: Why is Bashar al-Assad going to North Korea?
When North Korean state media announced this week that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was to visit Kim Jong-un the world reacted with a collective ‘Huh?’ But the two leaders have plenty in common and, as Andrew Mueller explains, this won’t be the first time the countries have co-operated.
Do sanctions really work?
Sanctions are a good way for a country to show that they are unhappy with the way another country is acting but who do they really punish? And are they just the easy option? Andrew Mueller is joined by Andrea Berger, Shashank Joshi and Nahlah Ayed.
Explainer 117: What does a high-speed railway project have to do with diplomacy in Southeast Asia?
One of Southeast Asia’s largest infrastructure projects has stalled. But, as our Asia editor at large Kenji Hall explains, the high-speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore was about far more than a quick connection across the border.
