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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
Explainer 51: The Southern Cameroons crisis
Southern Cameroons is predominantly English-speaking, whereas the rest of Cameroon speaks French. While this might not seem like a big deal it has been at the centre of a conflict between both region and in recent weeks, the squabble has flared up again.
How to defeat Trump
In just two weeks Donald Trump has come up against an almost uncountable number of objections, lawsuits and protests criticising his actions and policies. But what is his main opposition and is there anything that might stop him serving his full four-year term?
Explainer 50: Trump’s migration ban
President Trump’s controversial ‘Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States’ executive order, known by some as the ‘Muslim ban’, has led to criticism from foreign leaders, anger from human rights groups and disgust from protesters all over the world.
From democracy to autocracy
Sales of George Orwell’s ‘1984’ have surged in recent days but as great as that novel is, it won’t tell Americans much about the reality of life in an autocracy. For that we need to listen to those who have lived through it already.
Explainer 49: Democracy takes hold in west Africa
West Africa has had a troubled recent relationship with democracy – but times are changing. Yahya Jammeh’s departure from Gambia means that every nation in west Africa is now, technically, a democracy.
Rouhani’s Record
With presidential elections in May, Iranians have a rare chance to show either their support or their discontent for Hassan Rouhani. Steve Bloomfield sits down with Mehrad Vaezinejad and Maryam Namazie to discuss what really matters to Iranians at home and what chance, if any, there is of real reform.
Explainer 48: Russia as the world’s policeman
As Trump enters the Oval Office promising to put America First, who will fill the role of the world police? As the US steps back, Russia, it would appear, is stepping forward. But is the world ready?
China and Trump
What will Donald Trump’s presidency mean for China? He’s tested the water with tough rhetoric – and that phone call to Taiwan – and Beijing has reacted accordingly, albeit with caution. But which of the two greatest powers will come out on top? Steve Bloomfield sits down with ambassador Chas…
Explainer 47: Will Europe soften its line on Russia?
Recent European-Russian relations have been as strained as ever, with strong rhetoric, hard sanctions and equally punchy responses from the Kremlin. But is Europe starting to go soft on the former Soviet state? And are leaders starting to realise that they need Putin more than they’d like to admit?
Obama’s legacy
As Barack Obama’s eight years as president draw to an end and the unpredictable era of Trump looms, Steve Bloomfield discusses his legacy. From wars in the Middle East to Obamacare, social justice and the environment – what could his administration have done better and how many policies will survive…
