The Foreign Desk - Radio | Monocle

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Affairs / Podcast

The Foreign Desk

​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.

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Explainer 413: Iran and Israel:

Andrew Mueller explains why Iran delivered a missile strike against Israel and the potential ramifications. 

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Latest episodes

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★17 Apr 2024
6 min

Explainer 413: Iran and Israel 

Andrew Mueller explains why Iran delivered a missile strike against Israel and the potential ramifications. 

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53713 Apr 2024
38 min

Mice that roar 

Global events tend to be shaped by the great powers: those countries with vast territories, enormous populations and proportionate economic and military heft. Nevertheless, small states not only survive but prosper, particularly in terms of GDP per capita and happiness reports. What are the advantages of being a small state? How can they make their voices heard? And what is it like to lead one? Andrew Mueller speaks to Armen Sarkissian, Sim Ann and Anett Numa. 

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★10 Apr 2024
6 min

Explainer 412: Going for gold 

Zimbabwe is introducing its new official currency, the ZiG, which is tied to the country’s gold reserves. Given that its five previous currencies have collapsed, Andrew Mueller muses on this one’s potential to last.

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5366 Apr 2024
32 min

Emmanuel Macron: Europe’s ‘Raging Bull’? 

Black-and-white photos of Emmanuel Macron pounding a boxing bag sparked bemusement in France and abroad. The French leader’s office did not comment on the images but many have linked the ‘Raging Bull’-style photoshoot to Macron’s drive to toughen up the region’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Why is Emmanuel Macron flexing his political muscle and how has his foreign-policy doctrine evolved? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sophie Pedder, Bruno Tertrais and General Sir Richard Shirreff.

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★3 Apr 2024
8 min

Explainer 411: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 

Andrew Mueller explains who the IRGC are and why they are being targeted by Israel.

 

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53530 Mar 2024
38 min

Islamic State: they never went away 

Why did Islamic State target Russia and is the terror group still a big threat in the Middle East and Africa? Andrew Mueller speaks to Mark Galeotti, General David Petraeus, Sanam Vakil and Stig Jarle Hansen. 

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★27 Mar 2024
8 min

Explainer 410: Water fight in the South China Sea 

Andrew Mueller explains why the China Coast Guard attacked a Filipino civilian boat with a water cannon. 

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53423 Mar 2024
35 min

How has war changed Volodymyr Zelensky? 

Comedian-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky has found himself leading Ukraine in the nation’s darkest hour. How is Zelensky faring, what’s next for Ukraine’s counteroffensive and what does history tell us about wartime leadership? Andrew Mueller speaks to Simon Shuster, Yaroslav Trofimov and Alex von Tunzelmann. 

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★20 Mar 2024
8 min

Explainer 409: Niger and the USA 

Andrew Mueller explains the significance of Niger cutting ties with the US military – and why it might not be happening at all. 

 

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53316 Mar 2024
33 min

Crisis in Haiti 

The Caribbean nation continues to grapple with gang violence, political upheaval and a humanitarian crisis. How did we get here and is there a way out of Haiti’s nightmare? Andrew Mueller speaks to Jacqueline Charles, Harold Isaac, Christopher Sabatini and Georges Fauriol. 

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★13 Mar 2024
6 min

Explainer 408: Another failed referendum 

Andrew Mueller explains why the people of Ireland said “no” to rewording their constitution – and why their response took the government by surprise.

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5329 Mar 2024
36 min

The future of dissent in Russia 

Next weekend, Russia will hold an election that will effectively grant Vladimir Putin another six-year term as president. Combined with the recent death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the future looks difficult for Russians who would like the choice of a different leader. Was Alexei Navalny really the last dissident standing? And what will happen if Putin remains unseated? Andrew Mueller speaks to the prime minister of Lithuania, Bill Browder and Alexis Lerner. 

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★6 Mar 2024
6 min

Explainer 407: Haiti calls for aid 

This week, Haiti’s plight under gang rule has intensified as its prime minister, Ariel Henry, is refused entry into the country. Andrew Mueller explains who is – and who isn’t – answering the Caribbean state’s plea for assistance. 

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5312 Mar 2024
31 min

Wake up Europe 

As former US president Donald Trump undermines Nato, is it high time for Europe to get its act together and spend more on defence? What would another Trump presidency mean for the future of the alliance? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ukrainian politician Hanna Hopko, former Estonian president Toomas Hendriks Ilves, Estonia’s minister of defence, Hanno Pevkur, and Nato policy planning chief Benedetta Berti.

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★28 Feb 2024
7 min

Explainer 406: Whither the Palestinian Authority 

After the Palestinian prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, announces his resignation, Andrew Mueller looks at the future of the Palestinian Authority and whether it has any hope of governing Gaza and the West Bank. 

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