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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
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.
EU enlargement: one out, who’s in?
The UK is still hellbent on leaving the EU. Meanwhile, Macedonia and Albania are set to be the next countries to join the union. As with any organisation, however, growing too large comes with its own set of risks. So how many members is too many? Why would anyone want…
Explainer 116: Does the student press still matter?
Student newspapers have long played a part in shaping the conversation on campus, as well as, sometimes, nationally. But is the rise of online journalism and ever-decreasing budgets putting that at risk? Our Toronto bureau chief Tomos Lewis hopes not.
Does China really want to rule the world?
China is fast becoming, if it isn’t already, the world’s next superpower. But how questionable are the methods it’s using to sustain its influence over those it seeks to control, and does it really want to be leader of the not-so-free world? Andrew Mueller is joined by Isabel Hilton, Steve…
Explainer 115: Why are there so many international summits?
Apec, Brics, EEC, Saarc – the list goes on, and you’d be forgiven for finding the abundance of international summit acronyms overwhelming. Our Hong Kong bureau chief thinks it’s time for a spring clean.
Hezbollah: what does it want now?
The Shi’a militia Hezbollah and its allies did well in Lebanon’s overdue parliamentary election. But what does it mean for the future of the movement – and what might that mean for the wider Middle East? Andrew Mueller is joined by Lina Khatib, Habib Battah and David Patrikarakos.
Explainer 114: Malaysia’s election – a depressing choice
Malaysia’s recent general election left plenty to be desired. But with more young voters than ever before, Andrew Mueller asks why the country has been forced to choose between the scandal-plagued incumbent and his nonagenarian former mentor.
