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
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Is America the north star it used to be?
In this special episode, recorded partially in Washington during the Nato Summit, we take a look at the United States’ willingness and ability to assume its traditional role as leader of the free world…
Nato comes to Washington
‘The Foreign Desk’ broadcasts from Washington for Nato’s 75th anniversary summit, with Joe Biden playing host under an intense spotlight. Andrew Mueller speaks to ministers from Estonia, Latvia and Moldova, as well as Ian…
How will Keir Starmer relate to the world?
The UK sees its first change in government since Brexit. We explore how Keir Starmer will tackle relations with the EU, US and Middle East, as well as asylum policy. Andrew Mueller speaks with…
What does Iran want?
Iran’s influence is growing across the Middle East, with its proxies now dangerously close to an all-out war with Israel. Could presidential elections or an eventual ayatollah succession lead to a change in course?…
What will it take to achieve peace in Ukraine?
The Ukraine peace summit did not lead to peace but it did surprise on the upside with more than 90 countries. Andrew Mueller was also in attendance in Switzerland. He reviews the summit’s tangible…
Can the far-right govern in Europe?
Voting for the far-right is no longer merely a protest for many. After the EU elections, we look at who can govern effectively, and who can be defeated. Andrew Mueller speaks with Sophie Pedder…
