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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Munich Security Conference special edition
In this special episode recorded at the Munich Security Conference, Andrew Mueller sits down with the prime minister of Belgium, Alexander de Croo, the prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former CIA director General…
The other half
The role of first lady or, increasingly, first gentleman, can be one of the most potent ambassadorial positions in any nation’s diplomatic ranks. What is it really like to be the spouse of a…
Indonesia’s election: what’s at stake?
Voters in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, are gearing up to elect their next president in what is expected to be a hotly contested vote. Who is running and what are the key issues?…
