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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
Dropping the gun?
For decades US schools have fallen victim to deadly attacks and nothing has changed. However after one of the more recent and most deadly the mood has changed – and it’s the pupils, not the politicians, who are leading the way. Could this finally mark a shift in attitudes? Andrew…
Explainer 107: Will Shinzo Abe become Japan’s longest-serving prime minister?
A few months ago it was as though nothing would stop Shinzo Abe from becoming Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, a title he would gain in November 2019. But now there’s a scandal on the front pages and pressure is mounting within his own party. Kenji Hall ponders Abe’s political survival.
The Russian threat to democracy
This weekend Russians head to the polls in what might be one of the least-contested presidential elections in history. Not content with fixing his own country’s election, Vladimir Putin has been making a habit of influencing others. So what should the international community be doing to try to stop this…
Explainer 106: Why does Bolivia want the world’s biggest flag?
This past weekend Bolivians displayed a flag that stretched over 200km. Andrew Mueller explains why this has little to do with an attempt to break the world record for the biggest flag and rather more to do with a longstanding maritime dispute with Chile.
Full up?
Italy is the latest European country whose election has effectively been a referendum on immigration. Concerns about jobs, way of life and struggling public services are important issues. But can a country ever really be full and what can be done to persuade the public that theirs isn’t?
Explainer 105: Why Canada doesn’t have budget air travel
In most of the world’s major economies, hopping on a budget flight is as common as getting on a train or a bus. But in Canada ultra-low-cost air travel is a sector that largely doesn’t exist. Is this about to change? Our Toronto bureau chief Tomos Lewis explains. The full…
Why Italy’s election matters
As Italians head to the polls this weekend, Andrew Mueller is joined by Gianni Riotta, Enrico Franceschini and Stephanie Kirchgaessner to discuss what’s at stake for Italy and Europe, and why Silvio Berlusconi is back in the political limelight.
Explainer 104: Who’s who in Hong Kong’s by-election?
Hong Kong’s legislative council is gearing up for a by-election on 11 March. But with so many key players, some of whom are currently on bail from jail terms, it’s difficult to know who’s who. Our Hong Kong bureau chief James Chambers breaks things down. The full episode of ‘The…
Korea opportunities
As the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics draw to a close, Andrew Mueller asks if the cross-border goodwill between North and South Korea can last.
Explainer 103: Why are Portugal and Angola arguing again?
Angola’s recent corruption purge, after a 38-year rule by José Eduardo dos Santos, should have led to even better relations between the country and its former coloniser, Portugal. But, as Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo explains, one trial that should have been simple has had ramifications on both sides. The full episode…
