The Foreign Desk

As the northern hemisphere gears up for holiday season Andrew Mueller explores the importance of flag-carriers to a country’s brand and asks if they’re managing to keep up with their budget competitors. Featuring Tyler Brûlé, Tristan McAllister and Chatri na Ranong.

Tensions are rising over the Golan Heights, as a Syrian military offensive approaches Israeli-occupied land. Monocle’s Beirut correspondent Lizzie Porter visits the contested area to find out why – and to speak to those displaced by war.

On Wednesday 100 million registered voters in Pakistan will have the chance to decide their next prime minister. But the military remains a powerful political force and corruption is rife so what chance does the winner have of making positive change? Andrew Mueller is joined by Samira Shackle, Ayesha Siddiqa and Matthew Green.

Spain’s socialist government is planning to exhume the body of the country’s former dictator, Francisco Franco. Although controversial, is this an opportunity for the nation to move on from Franco’s divisive legacy?

This week Donald Trump nominated his second justice to the Supreme Court. Brett Kavanaugh, if approved by the senate, can expect to be in his new job for the rest of his life. But is the court, which is supposed to be impartial to party politics, veering sharply right? Andrew Mueller is joined by Garrett Epps, Carol Sanger and Jeffrey Howard.

Just over two years after the UK voted to leave the EU, prime minister Theresa May’s government finally came up with a plan on how to do it. But many members of that government were so unhappy with the plan they resigned. So, Andrew Mueller asks, what now?

Nato’s heads of state and government will meet in Brussels this week. With Russia becoming more defiant and the US less interested in co-operation, does the alliance have a future and, if so, what does it look like? Andrew Mueller is joined by Robert Fox, Elisabeth Braw and Fabrice Pothier.

Canada’s economy is growing and its immigration policies have been met with little hostility. However, relations with its largest trading partner, the US, are unpredictable and the man who has led the resurgence of ‘brand Canada’ internationally is facing fluctuating poll numbers. With just over a year to go until the next general election, is Justin Trudeau’s standing on the wane? And might heading to the town hall be the solution?

People have always travelled the world in search of discovery. Only recently have borders been imposed and restrictions been placed on those who wish to relocate. But, in the case of some of the world’s most prosperous countries, immigration is what has made them. So why do some fight so hard to stop it? Andrew Mueller is joined by Daniel Trilling, Priscilla Alvarez and Colin Grant.

Every four years, football fever peaks worldwide. But for those whose national team didn't make the finals, deciding who to cheer for can be a surprisingly political choice. Our Hong Kong bureau chief, James Chambers, finds out who has the territory’s backing this year.