The Foreign Desk
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.
Episodes
Does the US still have a free press?
As the US marks 250 years, is one of the pillars of its democracy, a free press, under threat? Guests including White House correspondent Maggie Haberman discuss the current administration’s relationship with the media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 524: Why is Marco Rubio trying to unify Libya?
This week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what’s in it for the US secretary of state? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Monocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equality Nina Larsson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 523: Flight of the White Eagle
Poland has been one of Ukraine’s biggest allies since the full-scale invasion by Russia. But will that continue after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial tribute?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘El juego bonito’: Can the beautiful game help Mexico win off the pitch?
Mexico has made a promising start on the pitch but what other victories is the nation eyeing up? Andrew Mueller is joined by former ambassador to the US Arturo Sarukhán, among others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 522: The World Cup seat France won’t fill
While Fifa faces reports of unsold tickets, one seat at France’s World Cup matches is being deliberately left empty. But why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Odesa: Ukraine’s journey from needing help to providing it
Live from the Black Sea Security Forum, we hear from Ukrainian MPs on the country’s future and the state of warfare. As Ukraine fights on, it has shifted from needing aid to providing new intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 521: Trump Island
Ivanka Trump has revealed extensive plans to redevelop Albanian island Sazan into a luxury resort. But after thousands gathered in protest, will it go ahead?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lessons from Odesa: the changing landscape of war
Live from the Black Sea Security Forum, we hear stories from both the front line and surrounding regions in the war against Russia, including senator Ruben Gallego and Salomé Zourabichvili, fifth president of Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 520: Is it the end of the road for Ferrari’s new electric vehicle?
Italians are up in arms about the newly unveiled Ferrari Luce, the luxury carmaker’s first electric vehicle. But why the controversy? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Upping the ante: How prediction markets are shaking geopolitics
The rapid rise of prediction markets is prompting questions about their influence on politics, military operations and the way we consume news. We discuss with guests including PredictIt founder John Aristotle Phillips. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 519: Why Morocco and Senegal’s football rivalry is the one to watch this World Cup
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned 15 Senegalese football fans ahead of the World Cup. But what happened at the Africa Cup of Nations final to trigger their arrest? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cuban man-made crisis: will the US’s maximum-pressure campaign topple Havana’s government?
Cubans are facing a nightmarish humanitarian crisis – and Washington is piling on the pressure. US secretary of state Marco Rubio has long dreamed of regime change on the island. But will it happen? We head to Havana for the picture on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 518: Duterte vs Marcos in the latest episode of Filipino Family Feud
The feud between the Philippines’ most powerful political dynasties continues. This week, vice-president Sara Duterte was impeached. Andrew Mueller unpacks the latest turn in the country’s ongoing political saga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rise of the middle powers
As great powers become increasingly unstable and unpredictable, smaller nations are building alliances and trade deals. Guests including Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, consider whether we have entered the age of the middle power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 517: How the revival of gerrymandering is hurting democracy
What is gerrymandering and why is its recent revival bad for US democracy? Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Delphi: Can Europe remake itself into a superpower?
As Europe contends with the multiplying conflicts on its doorstep and the withdrawal of US protection, can the continent make itself into a modern superpower? Paolo Gentiloni, Mikhail Kasyanov and more weigh in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 516: Are Albertans about to leave Canada?
Who are the separatists campaigning for a vote of independence in Alberta, Canada? And how real is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Delphi: Can the US and Europe find a way back?
This year’s Delphi Economic Forum was the stage for much contemplation over Europe’s relationship with the US. Does anyone, even his own supporters, understand President Trump? We hear from Peter Baker and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 515: Has King Charles saved the special relationship?
Given Donald Trump’s fondness for royalty, who better than King Charles III to smooth US-UK tensions? Andrew Mueller considers whether the current state visit has delivered a diplomatic win for palace soft power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Delphi: Europe breaks with the US over the war in Iran
Live from the Delphi Economic Forum: The war in Iran’s impact as seen from Iraqi Kurdistan, the US and Estonia. Is there a strategy to resolve the conflict? Then: has the war turned cracks in the Transatlantic relationship into serious fault lines?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 514: Why is Teddy Afro’s music roiling Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed?
Ethiopian superstar Teddy Afro has taken aim at the country’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, in new song “Das Tal”. What’s being protested and should Ahmed be concerned ahead of general elections?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Maga to Orbán: The cracks emerging in the global right
In recent years, the rise of the right has seemed unstoppable. But are rifts among US Republicans over Iran and the fall of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán a sign that the tide is turning?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 513: Why does Viktor Orbán’s defeat matter?
Despite a relatively small population and limited economic power, Hungary’s general election result, turning out far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán in favour of conservative Péter Magyar, has outsized international significance. But why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Operation Epic Fury: Is that it?
A ceasefire has been announced between Iran, the US and Israel, but are all parties in agreement on the terms? Who is the victor? And what did Operation Epic Fury actually achieve?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 512: Why is JD Vance in Hungary?
US vice-president JD Vance is in Hungary to bolster its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, ahead of elections this weekend. The VP accused the EU of “foreign election interference” – but why is he getting involved?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the war in Iran enters its second month, is victory for anyone still possible?
Iran’s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home?
At a joint press conference this week, chancellor Friedrich Merz and president Ahmed al-Sharaa encouraged Syrians to return home. But who benefits from the plan?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?
Israel has invaded Lebanon, again. With more than 1,000 people killed and 1.2 million displaced, many fear a return to civil war. What does Israel want from this? Does Lebanon have any options?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 510: From Angola with love: are there Russian spies in southern Africa?
This week two Russians are on trial in Angola, accused of espionage. Has the southern African nation been infiltrated by foreign spies or are they scapegoats for a failing government? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war in Iran: the global fallout
The consequences of the US-Israel war in Iran are rippling around the world. Can Volodymyr Zelensky retain focus on the war in Ukraine? Will an already fragile Nato splinter? Is this the end of rules-based order? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 509: Is Cuba next on Trump’s hit list?
Despite the ongoing military strikes in Iran, Donald Trump has been sizing up his next potential conquest: Cuba. But could, would and should he actually strike the country? Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
The US and Israel have a shared target in Iran but do they have the same goals? We discuss with guests including John Bolton and Nate Swanson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 508: How did rapper Balen become prime minister of Nepal?
Rapper turned politician Balendrah Shah was elected Nepal’s prime minister this week. Andrew Mueller traces his political ascent, fuelled by last year’s Gen-Z protests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Foreign Desk Exclusive: Canada prime minister Mark Carney on the new world order
Canada’s Mark Carney sits down with Monocle’s editorial director and chairman, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss how middle powers can shape the future, the importance of a national brand and finding opportunities in global disorder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live special: War in Iran
We head to Dubai, New York and Jerusalem for the latest developments as the war in Iran grips the Gulf. How are civilians faring? How is the US explaining this war? Is an off-ramp possible?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 507: Pakistan-Afghanistan: What’s fuelling this week’s overlooked conflict?
While the world’s eyes are on Iran, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have flared into open conflict. What is driving the latest escalation? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Munich Security Conference special: Is Europe awake yet?
US senator Lisa Murkowski, Kosovo’s prime minister Albin Kurti and French minister delegate for European affairs Benjamin Haddad discuss whether Europe is ready to become a global leader as the transatlantic relationship frays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 506: How did Mexico’s drug cartels bring the country to a standstill?
How did the killing of “El Mencho”, head of CJNG drug cartel, lead to tourists being trapped in Puerto Vallarta? Plus: How does this fit in with President Sheinbaum’s domestic policy and her relationship with Donald Trump?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Munich Security Conference special: Will the transatlantic alliance survive?
After a bruising year following JD Vance’s speech at the last Munich Security Conference, we discuss the state of relations between Europe and the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Powering Purpose in Munich
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded before the Munich Security Conference. Andrew Mueller and Carlota Rebelo discuss the energy transition with Hitachi Energy’s Maxine Ghavi; Markus Blume, Bavarian state minister for science and art; Prof Wolfgang Herrmann; and Bianca Rech, the director of FC Bayern Women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 505: Are the Winter Olympics apolitical?
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was not allowed to compete in a helmet decorated with pictures of athletes killed in the war with Russia. But is it really true that the Olympics are apolitical? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it worth prosecuting the powerful?
As the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte awaits trial in The Hague, we consider the difficulties around prosecuting individual leaders. Does it work as a deterrent for governments? And what is it like to defend one?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 504: The jailing of Jimmy Lai: China’s stand against Hong Kong media and the UK’s middling response
Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite having a British passport, the UK’s response has been limited. Andrew Mueller explains China’s latest blow to free press. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could this be the end of Iran’s regime?
From the 1979 hostage crisis to strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, US-Iran tensions have simmered for decades. But are Trump’s latest threats against the ayatollahs serious? Or will imminent talks in Muscat cool the discord?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 503: Why is the US making nice with West African juntas?
Given Trump’s recent, more combative approach to foreign policy, it was surprising to see the US extend the hand of friendship to West Africa’s military dictators this week. So what’s behind this new alliance?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro: a new horizon for Venezuela and American foreign policy?
One month on from US forces seizing the now former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, its impact still remains unclear. Will Caracas’s new leader bring any real change? Is Trump’s aversion to foreign entanglements over?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 502: The two-man rivalry fuelling South Sudan’s civil war
This week, General Johnson Olony, deputy chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, ordered troops to “spare no one”. Andrew Mueller unpacks the two-man power struggle at the top and how it continues to fuel civil war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from Nuuk: Trump’s threats grip Greenland
‘The Foreign Desk’ reports from Nuuk as Trump’s threat of force grips Greenland. Is Nuuk closer now to Copenhagen or is independence more important than ever? Can the damage done to Nato be repaired?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 501: Why does Trump really want Greenland?
Are Donald Trump’s designs on Greenland in any way explainable? Andrew Mueller does his best to try. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump: One down, three to go... (in theory)
As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos – or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 500: Why are Malaysia and Indonesia alone in taking on Grok?
Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What can the world expect in 2026?
Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 499: Why is Donald Trump ‘running’ Venezuela?
Trump has pledged to ‘run’ Venezuela after US forces captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Is this the beginning of a tripolar world between the US, China and Russia? And should Greenland, Cuba and Colombia be on edge?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best of the Explainer 2025
The most notable world events that we explained in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best of 2025
Andrew Mueller reflects on some of his favourite, and most impactful, conversations from the year on 'The Foreign Desk'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025 in review
Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 498: Belarus’s balloon offensive
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Taiwan draw the US, China and Japan into war?
Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation’s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 497: The art of (stopping) the coup
Benin has become the latest West African state to face a coup. Andrew Mueller explains how the region’s history of upheavals gave president Patrice Talon the tools to stop the attempt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One year on from the toppling of the Assad regime, how far has Syria’s revolution come?
One year on from the spectacular toppling of the Assad regime, has the Syrian revolution achieved its aims? How well is President al-Sharaa governing and remaking his image? Will global intervention help or hurt the state?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 496: Is Hegseth in deep water?
Self-styled US “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth is facing criticism for striking boats off the coast of Venezuela, killing more than 80 people. But will there be any consequences?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Powering Purpose in Brussels
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with a panel of experts from Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova and Aurora.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do Russians really think of Putin?
How many Russians support President Putin’s worldview? Does real opposition exist? Leading dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza outlines how Russia and the West must prepare for the post-Putin era, and why those efforts must begin now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 495: What’s the deal with the Ukraine peace deal?
Does Ukraine stand to gain anything from the US-brokered peace deal? And does Russia even want the war to end?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stranger than fiction?
Many politicians and diplomats serve during incidents that feel stranger than fiction. Veep writer David Quantick and former UK ambassador John Everard discuss how entertainment and politics interact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 494: The bright side of Ukraine’s corruption scandal
It has been a tough week for Zelensky’s government. But is there a bright side to the corruption scandal gripping Ukraine? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How the Arctic is hotting up
As the ice recedes, geopolitical tensions are emerging among arctic nations – not to mention China and the US. What are the stakes? And how can this region be better defended?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 493: Trump vs the BBC
The BBC is the latest media outlet to find itself at the mercy of Trump’s legal team. Does this spell the end of the embattled British institution? Or just another passing feud for the litigious president?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are the world’s Gen Z protests different?
Young people across the world are taking to the streets, setting fire to parliaments and toppling governments. But why now? And are these activists any different to previous generations?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 492: Why is Nigeria the US military’s latest target?
After threatening Venezuela with military intervention last week, President Trump has now shifted his focus to Nigeria. But why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Milei’s chainsaw cutting through?
Argentina’s mid-terms surprised everyone, as president Javier Milei’s party doubled its parliamentary seats. Have Argentinians bought into his radical economic programme? Or will the pain and populism prove too much? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 491: Trump’s third term?
US presidents are, as we know, two-term limited. But will that stop Trump? Andrew Mueller lays out the possible paths to re-re-election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eighty years on, is the United Nations a relevant institution?
Eighty years on from its inception, the United Nations is in crisis. Former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton joins an expert panel to discuss the institution’s need for change, and if reform is possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 490: Who is Japan’s new prime minister, other than a woman?
Japan made history this week as its first woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, was sworn in. But what are her politics and how will she manage without a parliamentary majority?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump, the diplomat
President Trump has achieved what numerous other world leaders have failed to secure: a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. So is there actually merit in his unorthodox approach to diplomacy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 489: Why have Gen Z protests spread to Madagascar?
President Andry Rajoelina flees as Madagascar’s youth follow the example of protestors in Morocco, Nepal and Sri Lanka, among others. But why are Gen Z taking to the streets across the world? Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two years on from 7 October: did it have to be like this?
After two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed terms of a ceasefire. But was this the only possible path? What were the other options open to Israel since 7 October?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 488: Why has Australia signed a defence treaty with Papua New Guinea?
While neither nation is famed for their military might, the mutual defence treaty signed this week by Australia and Papua New Guinea has some strategic benefits for both. Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is Moldova’s election result so significant to its neighbours?
Last Sunday’s parliamentary election was one of existential stakes for Moldova and considerable concern for Europe. But will the newly elected, pro-EU PAS keep Russian influence at bay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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