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 476: Lesotho’s one-man fight for South African land
A Lesotho MP is facing charges after accusing the country’s monarch of signing over land to its neighbour, South Africa. Andrew Mueller explains the history and prospects of this decidedly niche territorial dispute.
Dynastic democracies
Recent Filipino elections were, arguably, a political episode of family feud. We examine the creation and durability of political dynasties. Plus: a banned would-be Thai leader explains how to run against a prime minister.
Explainer 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?
Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why.
How to topple a tyrant
As last year’s rapid descent of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad attests, when a dictator falls, they fall fast. But what are the conditions under which that fall occurs? And how can they be sparked?
Explainer 474: Tuvalu’s climate-change escape to Australia
Andrew Mueller explains the relocation ballot being offered to Tuvaluans by Australia and what’s in it for the host nation.
Has the ‘12-Day War’ settled anything?
Despite Trump’s assertions, the state of play between Israel and Iran remains unclear. We’re joined by Arash Azizi, Tara Kangarlou and Tom Nichols to consider the possible consequences of the past 12 days.
Explainer 473: Cambodia, Thailand and phone-call warfare
Andrew Mueller explains the leaked phone call scandalising Thailand in its ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.
The view of Europe from Globsec Forum 2025
Reporting from the Globsec Forum in Prague, we hear from guests including the host country’s foreign minister and Georgia’s president to discern how their countries are adapting to today’s security, military and political threats.
Explainer 472: The furious funeral row over Zambia’s former president
Andrew Mueller explains how the rivalry between the late and former president, Edgar Lungu, and the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, is going well beyond the grave.
‘The Foreign Desk’ in Odesa: the international ripple effects of war in Ukraine
Reporting from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Andrew Mueller talks to leaders – domestic and international – about why Ukraine’s struggle for survival matters around the globe.
