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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.

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Saturday · 33 min
The firewall falls: what does the AfD’s breakthrough mean for Europe?
The AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt tweaked a nerve in Germany and across Europe. We examine how it won, its leaders’ plans and the media’s role in the rise of the far right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 9 · 6 min
Why is Jamaica asking the United Kingdom for $10bn (€8.6bn)?
Explainer 534: Jamaica’s government is seeking legal guidance from King Charles on receiving reparations. What issues lie at the heart of this request? And how is London likely to respond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 7 · 44 min
Powering purpose in Stavanger
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, Norway. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Arancha González Laya, Tinne Van der Straeten, Stephen Bull and Steffen Syvertsen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 5 · 31 min
The geopolitics of going nuclear, again
Despite its troubled history, nuclear energy is back on the agenda across the globe. Could it be our saviour? And what are the strategic risks for nations that aren’t keeping up with the energy renaissance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 2 · 6 min
Explainer 533: Disgraced war criminal or Serbian hero? The diplomatic conundrum of Ratko Mladić’s death
Colonel-General Ratko Mladić died last week in prison in the Netherlands. Serbia has a complicated relationship with the disgraced war criminal, with many calling for a state funeral. What will his legacy be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 29 · 34 min
Iran: Is the US out of options?
Six months into the US’s war with Iran, is any kind of military victory possible? Or is the Strait of Hormuz the US’s Suez? Rear admiral Mark Montgomery, Bloomberg’s Dina Esfandiary and historian Stephen Wertheim discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 26 · 7 min
Explainer 532: Why is Syria back on Washington’s Christmas card list?
After a warm reception between Donald Trump and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. What stands to be gained for both sides? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 22 · 37 min
After America: Europe’s new security order
As the US retreats from Nato’s “all for one, one for all” clause, Europe is forging new defence ties. Can the West hold together without Washington? Estonia’s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, joins the debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 19 · 8 min
Explainer 531: Could Moldova reunite with Romania?
With Moldova vulnerable to Russian pressure and EU membership still years away, could reunification with Romania offer a shortcut to greater security? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 15 · 32 min
The Democrats’ warring factions: Each have won battles but who will win the war?
The Democrats’ centrist and progressive wings have each claimed victories in the primary cycle. Is the Democratic Party on the verge of re-assembling its circular firing squad? And who will win in November? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 12 · 7 min
Explainer 530: Who even is Russia’s anti-war party?
Russia’s Supreme Court has barred the country’s only anti-war party from standing in parliamentary “elections”. Does the ban reflect an uptick in anti-war support or Putin’s ever-tightening grip on power? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 8 · 31 min
The Ceuta border crisis: Who’s really threatening Schengen?
The migration crisis in Ceuta sparked a fierce response across Europe. Does it expose a genuine threat to the border-free Schengen zone or are governments using the surge for political gain? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 5 · 7 min
Explainer 529: What’s driving Morocco’s Trump highway?
Morocco confirmed this week that it has named a major highway in Western Sahara after US president Donald Trump. But what’s the strategy behind awarding Trump a personal stake in the disputed territory? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 1 · 42 min
CTRL + ALT + RIGHT: Has technofascism taken over Silicon Valley?
Thirty years ago, it was assumed that the internet would be an engine of liberal democracy. Now, Silicon Valley’s massive wealth is embracing power and promoting right-wing ideology. How did we get here? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 29 · 6 min
Explainer 528: Does India’s Cockroach party have legs?
India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party is scuttling onto the political stage. It has already claimed one minister’s resignation but can continued protests force the government to give up more ground? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 25 · 32 min
How can we ensure that the politics of heatwaves doesn’t cool off?
As Canada battles wildfires, Spain declares a national climate emergency and France evacuates tens of thousands, where do the politics around climate change stand? Is denialism gaining traction or is diplomacy winning the day? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 22 · 7 min
Explainer 527: Andy Burnham and the revolving door of UK politics
Andy Burnham became the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years this week. Why has Britain adopted Italian-style political turbulence and is it here to stay? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 35 min
When politics kicks off at the World Cup: what separates the screamers from the own goals?
The World Cup has always been political, including previous editions hosted by juntas and dictatorships. This year, presidents thumbed the scale and small nations made us dream again. Who scored and who was caught offside? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 15 · 6 min
Explainer 526: Why Japan has been spooked into launching an intelligence service
Japan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 14 · 26 min
Powering Purpose in London
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at Midori House in London. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Gerhard Salge, Olga Rosca and Richard Nugee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showing 1–20 of 30 episodes