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
One year on from the toppling of the Assad regime, how far has Syria’s revolution come?
12/6/2025
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?
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Duration:00:34:29
Explainer 496: Is Hegseth in deep water?
12/3/2025
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?
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Duration:00:06:56
Powering purpose
12/1/2025
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.
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Duration:00:27:34
What do Russians really think of Putin?
11/29/2025
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.
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Duration:00:35:47
Explainer 495: What’s in the Ukraine peace deal?
11/26/2025
What’s in the US-brokered peace deal for Ukraine? And does Russia even want the war to end?
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Duration:00:08:04
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