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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
What is a war crime?
The phrase is often used but what we call “war crimes” are hardly ever prosecuted. Monocle’s Steve Bloomfield chairs a powerful discussion on what is a war crime and why the outrage rarely leads to an investigation. Featuring Kevin Jon Heller, Alex Whiting and Gary D Solis.
The end of the Kirchner era
For the first time in more than a decade, Argentina will soon be ruled by someone who is not a Kirchner. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is stepping down, with her late husband Néstor Kirchner having governed for four years before her. Steve Bloomfield is joined by guests Virginia García Beaudoux,…
Burma
As the country gears up for the most important election since military rule was imposed in 1962, we ask how significant this step towards democracy will be. Steve Bloomfield is joined by guests Bill Hayton, Aye Aye Win and Esther Htusan to talk about reforms, what comes next and Aung…
Mohamed Fahmy
In his first full interview since leaving Egypt after his release from prison, former Al Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy talks to Steve Bloomfield about his fight for freedom.
Russia in Syria
As Russia’s bombing campaign in Syria intensifies, questions are raised over who Vladimir Putin is really targeting; we take a careful look at what his ambitions in the region might be. Our guests are Monocle’s Moscow correspondent Joshua Yaffa, former Russian diplomat and current Chatham House fellow Nikolay Kozhanov and…
Canada’s political attack ads
From the outside, the world of Canadian political attack ads is bemusing; from the inside it’s a vital part of any successful campaign. Misquoting your opponents, lambasting their policies or insulting their hair – it’s all in a days work. Ahead of elections in October, Steve Bloomfield sits down with…
When Europeans were the refugees
In the wake of the migrant crisis currently affecting Europe, we look back to the times when Europeans were the ones seeking refuge. From those who left for political reasons to those with their eyes on the economic future, there’s one thing that bounds them all together: they probably wouldn’t…
Whistleblowers: Exposing the truth
Grand corruption, missing billions, and state-sponsored violence: would you turn a blind eye or blow the whistle? Monocle’s Steve Bloomfield hears from three whistleblowers to learn how they discovered the truth and how exposing it changed their lives.
Millennium Development Goals
Fifteen years after the Millennium Development Goals were set, it’s time for a review. Monocle’s foreign editor Steve Bloomfield chairs a discussion asking if these targets for global development worked. Michela Wrong and Simon Maxwell join the debate and question whether this box-ticking approach is the best way to measure…
Rwanda’s Paul Kagame
Despite his dubious approach to democracy and his role in regional conflict, Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame has received the ear and praise of many world leaders. Why? Steve Bloomfield asks his guests Phil Clark and Vincent Gasana. Plus: investigative journalist Linda Melvern reflects on allegations made against Kagame after the…