Want more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Foreign Desk - latest episodes
In defence of Europe
After the election of US president Donald Trump in 2016 and Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a consensus has formed that Europe needs to do more – and spend more – to look after itself. But at a time when…
Explainer 433: Is the EU-topia failing?
As Germany enforces tougher checks on all its borders, Andrew Mueller questions what this will mean for the Schengen Area.
Globsec 2024 highlights
The first edition in our special series recorded at the Globsec Forum in Prague. We hear a selection of highlights including an insight into defending a country during active conflict with Ukraine’s former defence minister…
Brazil vs X
Andrew Mueller explains why Brazil has banned the social media platform X.
Is centrism in retreat?
Amid this year’s elections, protests, frustrations and rise in authoritarianism, we explore what centrism really stands for – and whether it is on the march or in retreat. Andrew Mueller speaks with Monocle’s Paris bureau…
Explainer 432: The theatre of war
Andrew Mueller explains why the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah seems to have peaked – and promptly fizzled out – over the weekend.
The DNC, Gaza and US-Israeli relations
We explore how the US-Israel relationship has shifted over 10 months of war in Gaza and a change at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket. How might Kamala Harris approach the crisis differently than Joe Biden – and…
Explainer 431: Putin the peacemaker
Andrew Mueller explains why Vladimir Putin fancies himself as a peacemaker between Azerbaijan and Armenia while his own country wages war.
Tech bros and diplomacy
How has Elon Musk reshaped political discourse and how much power does he have compared to the media barons of the past? Andrew Mueller explores the relationship between technology companies and governments, with David…
Explainer 430: Will there be peace in Sudan?
As peace talks are set to begin in Geneva regarding Sudan’s year-long conflict, Andrew Mueller asks whether optimism about their success is foolhardy.
What now for France?
The Olympics provided some welcome respite for Emmanuel Macron and the French from their political headache. Have they learned anything about unity from the Games? In part two of our broadcasts live from Paris, Andrew…
Explainer 429: Mali and Ukraine
Andrew Mueller explains why Mali has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine.
The Olympic spirit
The Olympics have never been just about the sports. We explore what it means for athletes to represent their countries, the mood in France and the history of boycotts and other geopolitical moments at the Games. Recorded…
Explainer 428: Too little too late?
As Ukraine prepares to receive some of the F-16s promised by Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark, Andrew Mueller asks whether such a small number this late in the war can actually make a difference.
Is change coming to Venezuela?
Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, faces a real challenge to his presidency this weekend, with a united opposition of Edmundo González and María Corina Machado campaigning for victory. What will it take to unseat Maduro…
