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
What can the world expect in 2026?
Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.
Explainer 499: Why is Donald Trump ‘running’ Venezuela?
Trump has pledged to ‘run’ Venezuela after US forces captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Is this the beginning of a tripolar world between the US, China and Russia? And should Greenland, Cuba and Colombia be on edge?
The best of the Explainer 2025
The most notable world events that we explained in 2025.
The best of 2025
Andrew Mueller reflects on some of his favourite, and most impactful, conversations from the year on ‘The Foreign Desk’
2025 in review
Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.
Explainer 498: Belarus’s balloon offensive
Lithuania has been beleaguered by balloons drifting into its airspace from neighbouring Belarus. What are the military advantages of this seemingly whimsical mode of transportation? And how severe is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains.
Could Taiwan draw the US, China and Japan into war?
Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation’s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved?
Explainer 497: The art of (stopping) the coup
Benin has become the latest West African state to face a coup. Andrew Mueller explains how the region’s history of upheavals gave president Patrice Talon the tools to stop the attempt.
One year on from the toppling of the Assad regime, how far has Syria’s revolution come?
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?
Explainer 496: Is Hegseth in deep water?
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?
