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 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
Explainer 479: Who are the Balochistan Liberation Army and why have they suddenly attracted US attention?
8/13/2025
The Balochistan Liberation Army has been reclassified by the US as a “foreign terrorist” organisation. But why the sudden interest in a Pakistani bête noire?
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Duration:00:07:08
Is popularity in politics a thing of the past?
8/9/2025
Political leaders around the world face waning popularity and seem to be unable to change their fates. Is this the result of less effective leaders or more impatient electorates?
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Duration:00:37:39
Explainer 478: Why does Trump care about Bolsonaro?
8/6/2025
Jair Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest after breaking pre-trial rules this week as he faces charges for attempting to stage a coup. But why is Trump throwing his support behind Brazil’s former president?
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Duration:00:06:46
The catastrophe in Gaza and the prospects of a Palestinian state
8/2/2025
International pressure mounts on Israel to end its war in Gaza, which has been dubbed a “catastrophe of epic proportions” by the UN. Plus: we examine the prospect of a Palestinian state.
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Duration:00:39:51
Explainer 478: Why is Islamic State targeting the DRC?
7/30/2025
This week, militants attached to Islamic State attacked a church in Komanda, killing at least 43 people. Why is the jihadist group keen to establish itself in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
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Duration:00:06:46
Cameroon’s forgotten crisis: Is reconciliation in the Anglo-Franco schism possible?
7/26/2025
Cameroon’s 92 year-old president Paul Biya seeks re-election to extend his 43-year tenure. We investigate the long and often violent conflict in his country. Is Anglo-Franco reconciliation possible? And is anyone paying attention?
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Duration:00:39:02
Explainer 477: What is behind the violence in Syria?
7/23/2025
Andrew Mueller examines the fatal clashes between Druze and Bedouin Syrians.
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Duration:00:06:19
Explainer 476: Lesotho’s one-man fight for South African land
7/22/2025
A Lesotho MP is facing charges after accusing the country’s monarch of signing over land to its neighbour, South Africa. Andrew Mueller explains the history and prospects of this decidedly niche territorial dispute.
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Duration:00:08:03
The future of warfare
7/19/2025
From drones to radios, the war in Ukraine has rapidly accelerated technical development. In this fast-evolving landscape, what does the future of warfare hold and will humans have a role on the battlefield?
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Duration:00:34:25
Dynastic democracies
7/12/2025
Recent Filipino elections were, arguably, a political episode of family feud. We examine the creation and durability of political dynasties. Plus: a banned would-be Thai leader explains how to run against a prime minister.
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Duration:00:34:08
Explainer 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?
7/9/2025
Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why.
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Duration:00:06:44
How to topple a tyrant
7/5/2025
As last year’s rapid descent of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad attests, when a dictator falls, they fall fast. But what are the conditions under which that fall occurs? And how can they be sparked?
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Duration:00:35:32
Explainer 474: Tuvalu’s climate-change escape to Australia
7/2/2025
Andrew Mueller explains the relocation ballot being offered to Tuvaluans by Australia and what’s in it for the host nation.
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Duration:00:06:32
Has the ‘12-Day War’ settled anything?
6/28/2025
Despite Trump’s assertions, the state of play between Israel and Iran remains unclear. We’re joined by Arash Azizi, Tara Kangarlou and Tom Nichols to consider the possible consequences of the past 12 days.
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Duration:00:33:55