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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
Donald Trump: one down, three to go
He has been the president of the US for exactly one year. And, if all goes to plan, he’ll remain so for at least three more. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Donald Trump has changed American, and possibly global, politics in profound and unexpected ways. Andrew…
Explainer 98: Disputed definition
What’s in a name? Well, if you’re Greek and that name happens to be ‘Macedonia’, rather a lot. But is there an end in sight for what may be the world’s least-dignified diplomatic standoff? ‘The Foreign Desk’ returns on Saturday. Listen to hear us examine Donald Trump’s first year in…
The evolution of protest
Last year gave the world much to protest. Political instability and social injustice led to millions taking to the streets in 2017 and even more to social media to make their voices heard. But as the masses rebel, the authorities clamp down – leading to new and inventive ways of…
Explainer 97: Where is the Republican resistance?
With seemingly no one standing in Trump’s way as he nears his one-year anniversary as US president, Monocle’s New York bureau chief Ed Stocker goes in search of the Republican party’s resistance. ‘The Foreign Desk’ is back on Saturday 13 January, when we look at the history and evolution of…
National anthems
Some are rousing, others are melancholy and some are just plain dreary. They’re belted out at sporting events, chanted in the streets to bring nations together and used as a political tool by those in power. But what makes a great national anthem great, why are so many so terrible…
Reasons to be cheerful in 2018
Monocle’s bureaux staff look ahead to 2018 in terms of elections, surprises and, hopefully, some reasons to be cheerful.
The world in 2017
We look back through the archives to tell the story of a tumultuous year, from Donald Trump’s erratic presidency and troubles in the Middle East to the rise and fall of populism in Europe and some questionable referendums.
Explainer 96: South Africa’s next president
With Jacob Zuma set to step down as leader of the ANC, Andrew Mueller looks at his replacement and asks if he’s got what it takes to make the ANC deserve its mandate?
Alabama shakes?
This week all eyes were on Alabama. An election that would normally go unnoticed – even by a good number of the state’s inhabitants – became a litmus test for politics in the US. But was Democrat Doug Jones’ victory over the controversial Republican Roy Moore a one-off or is…
Explainer 95: Why is Saudi Arabia liberalising?
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s drive for liberalisation in Saudi Arabia continued this week with the announcement that, after 35 years, cinemas will finally be allowed to operate in the country. Although this push should be welcomed, Andrew Mueller asks if the prince’s motives need to be questioned.
