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
Can the Israel-Hamas war be contained?
The war in Gaza is reverberating across the Middle East. How are nearby countries responding to the conflict? For a closer look at Iran, Jordan and Iraq, Andrew Mueller speaks to Vali Nasr, Merissa…
Sudan’s forgotten war
The world has paid little attention to Sudan since war broke out there 10 months ago. In a distracted world full of hostility, why are conflicts in Africa so easily neglected? Andrew Mueller speaks…
It’s foreign policy, stupid
Foreign policy rarely wins US elections but the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have become intertwined with American politics. Will foreign policy loom large over November’s presidential election? And what would another Trump-Biden showdown…
Political pastimes
There is a tendency to view those in politics as diplomatic robots, solely programmed to keep the world running. But they are humans with personalities, hobbies and previous accomplishments in unrelated fields. In this…
The best of 2023
A selection of the best interviews over the past year, from the most listened-to episodes to the team’s personal favourites.
Looking back at 2023 – and ahead to 2024
We look back at the big events of 2023 and peer ahead at next year. Andrew Mueller speaks to Yossi Mekelberg, Latika Bourke and Yassmin Abdel-Magied.
Power dressing
From Nelson Mandela’s colourful shirts to Madeleine Albright’s glitzy brooches, fashion has been used as a powerful tool to communicate messages on the world stage. What role does fashion play in diplomacy? Andrew Mueller…
Power chords: music, diplomacy and geopolitics
Throughout history, music has served as an instrument of soft power, transcending divides and even catalysing the downfall of regimes. How does music shape geopolitics and international diplomacy? Andrew Mueller speaks to Reiland Rabaka,…
Could Venezuela really invade Guyana?
Tensions rose between Venezuela and Guyana this week after Nicolas Maduro boasted an “overwhelming” people’s mandate for Caracas to exploit oil deposits in the disputed Essequibo region. What happens now? Andrew Mueller speaks to…
The best of enemies
The long-running battle for the Parthenon Marbles erupted again this week between Greece and the UK. In this special episode, we explore some of the bitterest and most bizarre diplomatic disputes between otherwise amicable…
