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
Stranger than fiction?
11/22/2025
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.
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Duration:00:33:24
Explainer 494: The bright side of Ukraine’s corruption scandal
11/19/2025
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.
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Duration:00:07:33
How the Arctic is hotting up
11/15/2025
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?
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Duration:00:30:37
Explainer 493: Trump vs the BBC
11/14/2025
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?
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Duration:00:08:39
Are the world’s Gen Z protests different?
11/8/2025
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?
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Duration:00:30:16
Explainer 492: Why is Nigeria the US military’s latest target?
11/5/2025
After threatening Venezuela with military intervention last week, President Trump has now shifted his focus to Nigeria. But why?
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Duration:00:07:26
Is Milei’s chainsaw cutting through?
11/1/2025
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?
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Duration:00:30:25
Explainer 491: Trump’s third term?
10/29/2025
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.
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Duration:00:08:00
Eighty years on, is the United Nations a relevant institution?
10/25/2025
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.
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Duration:00:42:59
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