Lithuania has been beleaguered by balloons drifting into its airspace from neighbouring Belarus. What are the military advantages of this seemingly whimsical mode of transportation? And how severe is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains. 

Lithuania has been beleaguered by balloons drifting into its airspace from neighbouring Belarus. What are the military advantages of this seemingly whimsical mode of transportation? And how severe is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains.&nbsp;

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards. 

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.

The Foreign Desk

Explainer 498: Belarus’s balloon offensive

As Brazilians head back to the polls, can Lula win them back? Where did all these Bolsonaros come from? And: the regional implications if Brazil heads to the right.

As Brazilians head back to the polls, can Lula win them back? Where did all these Bolsonaros come from? And: the regional implications if Brazil heads to the right.

Like father, like son: Are the Bolsonaros set to take Brazil or can Lula fight back?

Rebel groups across Ethiopia are mobilising again. Is this renewed uprising simply unfinished business at home or are regional powers quietly helping to turn up the heat?

Rebel groups across Ethiopia are mobilising again. Is this renewed uprising simply unfinished business at home or are regional powers quietly helping to turn up the heat?

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With a major war raging on the European continent, there are a few countries that would prefer to be excused. We head to Switzerland, Austria and Ireland to examine what neutrality means today.

With a major war raging on the European continent, there are a few countries that would prefer to be excused. We head to Switzerland, Austria and Ireland to examine what neutrality means today.

Explainer 498: Belarus’s balloon offensive

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