The Foreign Desk
Monocle
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.
Location:
London, United Kingdom
Networks:
Monocle
Description:
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.
Language:
English
Episodes
Explainer 490: Who is Japan’s new prime minister, other than a woman?
10/22/2025
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?
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Duration:00:06:39
Donald Trump, the diplomat
10/18/2025
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?
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Duration:00:33:53
Explainer 489: Why have Gen Z protests spread to Madagascar?
10/15/2025
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.
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Duration:00:06:58
Two years on from 7 October: did it have to be like this?
10/11/2025
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?
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Duration:00:38:34
Explainer 488: Why has Australia signed a defence treaty with Papua New Guinea?
10/8/2025
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.
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Duration:00:07:33
Why is Moldova’s election result so significant to its neighbours?
10/4/2025
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?
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Duration:00:28:26
Explainer 487: India, Pakistan and a dearth of cricket diplomacy
10/1/2025
Following India’s recent victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, handshakes were absent and India refused to accept the trophy. Andrew Mueller plots the course of these nations’ geopolitical tensions on the cricket field.
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Duration:00:07:52
Is social media a threat to national security?
9/27/2025
The size, power and appetite for misinformation of the largest social media platforms is undeniable. But how real is the national security threat? And what can be done about it? We hear from MP Christine Jardine and others.
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Duration:00:33:41
Explainer 486: Why recognise Palestine now?
9/24/2025
Ten countries recognised Palestine this week, including the UK, France and Canada. Why now? Andrew Mueller examines the geopolitical and domestic reasons behind the shift.
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Duration:00:07:53
Above the law?
9/20/2025
In democracies, it is an article of faith that nobody – not even the national leader – is above the law. As with most articles of faith, expedient exceptions are made. What impact does accountability have?
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Duration:00:30:43
Explainer 485: The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder
9/17/2025
As information about Charlie Kirk’s killer slowly begins to emerge, the Republican Party’s response has been far more prompt. Andrew Mueller assesses the fallout.
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Duration:00:08:05
White House vs City Hall
9/13/2025
Following President Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and Washington, cities across the US are bracing themselves. What is he trying to accomplish? And how can a city mayor prepare for it?
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Duration:00:32:03
Explainer 484: Nepal’s war on social media
9/10/2025
As many as 22 people are dead and hundreds injured in Nepal during riots against corruption and a social media ban. But is the government’s ruling as pure-hearted as they want it to appear?
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Duration:00:06:07
Does the immigration debate have to be like this?
9/6/2025
As the right engages in fearmongering and the left struggles with coherent messaging, can immigration be reformed? Is shutting the door effective? And how does anyone win against those who want to shut it?
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Duration:00:37:52
Explainer 483: Labour’s England flag frenzy
9/3/2025
There has been an uptick in St George’s flags festooned on buildings and spray-painted over road signs in England. But why, despite right-wing associations, is Labour endorsing the practice?
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Duration:00:07:06
Shadow boxing in the Caribbean: Why is the US cornering Venezuela?
9/1/2025
The US Navy sets sail for Venezuela. What does president Trump hope to accomplish with this gunboat diplomacy? How has president Maduro clung to power and will the US ever leave South America alone?
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Duration:00:29:54
Explainer 481: Why has Australia thrown out Iran’s ambassador?
8/27/2025
For the first time ever, Australia has expelled an ambassador. But why is Iran’s Ahmad Sadeghi packing his bags and what does it have to do with antisemitic attacks?
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Duration:00:07:39
Who will run the world if the US doesn’t want to anymore?
8/23/2025
As president Trump’s isolationist leanings become US foreign policy, is the era of the American hegemony over? Did the US lead us somewhere worthwhile? And if the US recedes, who steps up?
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Duration:00:32:50
Explainer 480: Myanmar and the perks of posing as a democracy
8/20/2025
Myanmar’s military, which has held power since 2021, has announced a general election for later this year. Has Myanmar suddenly become a democracy? Or is something else afoot?
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Duration:00:07:02
Is a liberal Israel recoverable and might that be the key to peace?
8/16/2025
Israel was once regarded as an essentially left-wing project. Now, the country has grown more conservative, defensive and, some would argue, extreme. Is a liberal Israel recoverable? And might that lead to peace?
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Duration:00:29:59