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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
Does Japan need a military?
Since the Second World War Japan has been a pacifist nation. But during that time it has built up an impressive defence force that, if it was a fully fledged military, would be the eighth largest in the world. In an ever more unstable region is it time for this…
Explainer 91: Should Democrats be feeling confident?
With a recent string of electoral successes under their belts and the all-important mid-terms on their way next year, New York bureau chief Ed Stocker asks if the Democrats finally have something to celebrate.
Trouble in the House of Saud
After an abrupt and significant week in Saudi Arabia, from shock resignations to missile interceptions, Christopher Lord looks at the state of the House of Saud and the reasons behind its recent change of strategy. Also in the studio: Ahmed Al Omran, Jane Kinninmont and Mohammed Khalid Alyahya.
Explainer 90: Should South Korea have better missiles?
With Donald Trump taking his first tour of Asia, all eyes are on a region wracked with tensions. But would more missiles be helpful or detrimental to the situation?
A ‘new era’ for China?
Xi Jinping is, officially, China’s most powerful leader since Chairman Mao – his doctrine is enshrined in The Party’s constitution forever. But is China really at the start of a ‘new era’? Or have corruption, a slowing economy and the authoritarian regime started to have a negative impact on one…
Explainer 89: What is the Balfour Declaration?
This week marks the centenary of the Balfour Declaration – a short paragraph that paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel. What did it say and why are we still talking about it 100 years later?
Who really runs the White House?
As commander in chief of the US and so-called leader of the free world, President Trump has achieved surprisingly little during his time in office. However, the country is still running and decisions are being made – but by whom? Andrew Mueller is joined by former US Senate aide Tom…
Explainer 88: Why do politicians cry?
For some it’s a sign of weakness, for others an outpouring of genuine emotion – something the public can connect with. Toronto bureau chief Tomos Lewis asks when is it ok for a politician to cry?
Gaza’s Future
After a decade of isolation from the West Bank, not to mention military bombardment from Israel, Hamas has finally reached an agreement with the Palestinian Authorities. But is it enough to bring The Strip in from the cold – and do the other big regional players even want that to…
Explainer 87: Who is the real Xi Jinping?
With the 19th Congress of the Chinese Communist party well underway, Monocle’s Hong Kong bureau chief James Chambers asks what is at stake for its leader and what are his aims for the next five years?