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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
The Iran nuclear deal: does Trump have any better ideas?
The Iran nuclear deal is under scrutiny yet again, and not just from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. But what are the alternatives? And what would an end to the deal mean for Iran, as well as the wider region? Andrew Mueller is joined by Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi, Jacob Parakilas and…
Explainer 113: Is Taiwan running out of friends?
When the Dominican Republic announced this week that it was establishing diplomatic ties with China, Taiwan lost yet another ally. However, most countries made the switch in 1971, so what has taken the Dominican Republic so long and, as Andrew Mueller explains, what’s in it for those that still side…
Macron: one year on
For a centrist, Emmanuel Macron has divided opinions and/or confirmed that you can’t please of all of the people all of the time. But it doesn’t seem to be deterring him, a year into his presidency, from attempting to reform French institutions and make his mark internationally. But what else…
Explainer 112: Armenia protests: what they want and when they want it
After almost two weeks of protests, Armenia’s most powerful politician has stepped down as prime minister after only five days in the job. But, as Andrew Mueller explains, the transition – so far, at least – seems more peaceful than might have been expected.
The price of inaction: Syria and what happens when we do nothing
When the US, the UK and France decided last week to launch airstrikes in Syria reactions were predictably divided. But has the idea that we shouldn’t intervene in other countries’ problems actually made them worse? Andrew Mueller is joined by Haid Haid, Simon Adams and Leslie Vinjamuri.
Explainer 111: The Summits of the Americas
The meetings wrapped up last weekend – but there was a certain leader noticeably missing from the attendees. Monocle’s Toronto bureau chief Tomos Lewis asks if the lack of US involvement has left the door open for others to take the lead in the region.
The Commonwealth: a members’ club worth joining?
As the Commonwealth Games draw to a close, and the Commonwealth heads of government meeting opens, Andrew Mueller asks if it is a happy family of democracies or just the ghost of a past empire. With Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Shruti Kapila, Bisi Alimi and Euripides Evriviades, the high commissioner of…
Explainer 110: Why has Trump sent troops to the southern border?
Donald Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops to the border with Mexico has provoked a mixed reaction. But, as our New York bureau chief Ed Stocker explains, he’s by no means the first US president to do so.
Who wins in a trade war?
As the tariff spat between the US and China continues, Andrew Mueller asks if winning a trade war is even possible and, out of all the opponents in the world, why has president Trump chosen China?
Explainer 109: What does China’s recent success mean for Taiwan?
Since Chinese president Xi Jinping asserted his power in the Communist party, the country has gone from strength to strength. But what does this mean for Taiwan and are Chinese power plays causing unrest on the island?
