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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
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…
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…
