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
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.
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
