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The Foreign Desk
Monocle’s global-affairs show with Andrew Mueller. Expert guests, in-depth analysis, and sharp commentary on major geopolitical issues.
Latest Episodes
Explainer 401: Don’t rock the boat
Andrew Mueller explains how Ethiopia has angered Somalia and Egypt in its efforts to secure a coastal base for its boatless navy.
It’s foreign policy, stupid
Foreign policy rarely wins US elections but the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have become intertwined with American politics. Will foreign policy loom large over November’s presidential election? And what would another Trump-Biden showdown mean for the world? Andrew Mueller speaks to Johanna Maska, Tom Nichols and Julie Norman.
Explainer 400: Why is Italy’s deputy prime minister on trial?
Andrew Mueller examines the kidnapping and abuse of office charges facing Italy’s deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini.
Political pastimes
There is a tendency to view those in politics as diplomatic robots, solely programmed to keep the world running. But they are humans with personalities, hobbies and previous accomplishments in unrelated fields. In this special episode of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we’ll meet a finance minister who plays chess, a foreign…
Explainer 399: Bangladesh’s one-party democracy
Andrew Mueller explains Bangladesh’s descent into a one-party autocracy.
The best of 2023
A selection of the best interviews over the past year, from the most listened-to episodes to the team’s personal favourites.
Explainer 398: Ringing in the new year
Andrew Mueller explains the first complicated news story of 2024.
Looking back at 2023 – and ahead to 2024
We look back at the big events of 2023 and peer ahead at next year. Andrew Mueller speaks to Yossi Mekelberg, Latika Bourke and Yassmin Abdel-Magied.
Power dressing
From Nelson Mandela’s colourful shirts to Madeleine Albright’s glitzy brooches, fashion has been used as a powerful tool to communicate messages on the world stage. What role does fashion play in diplomacy? Andrew Mueller speaks to Natalie Theodosi, Samantha Conti and Desré Buirski.
Explainer 397: The Red Sea
As attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea continue to grow, Andrew Mueller examines what they mean for the global shipping industry, as well as order in the region.