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
The battle for Sudan
Fighting continues in Sudan despite successive ceasefire deals. Is there a way to stop two rival soldiers from destroying their country? Andrew Mueller speaks to Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Kholood Khair and Mat Nashed.
Global swing states: can the west win them over?
Russia’s war in Ukraine has galvanised western alliances but many other countries feel no imperative to come down on either side. This new class of nations are the global swing states of the 21st…
Baroness Catherine Ashton
Baroness Catherine Ashton, former high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, joins Andrew Mueller to discuss her remarkable career, the global response to the war in Ukraine and what it…
Eurovision: Ukraine in the spotlight
Last year’s Eurovision Song Contest was a demonstration of the extraordinary political and diplomatic potency of this curious annual circus. For many of the same reasons, this year’s Eurovision will be as well. What…
I spy
In this special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we speak to former spies from different intelligence services serving in different eras. We’ll find out how to recruit assets, disrupt communications, adopt false identities and,…
Thailand’s election: what is at stake?
The race to be Thailand’s next prime minister could result in a major opposition victory. Will the election be free and fair? Andrew Mueller speaks to Gwen Robinson, Kiara Kijburana and Pavin Chachavalpongpun, while…
Georgia on the brink
Georgia’s imprisoned former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, has become a focal point for thousands of Georgians who are protesting against what they believe is the government’s increasingly authoritarian – and pro-Russian – behaviour. What is…
Good Friday Agreement, 25 years on
It has been 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, a landmark accord that largely ended three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. As the country marks the milestone of a…
Why are Nordic nations great mediators?
Nordic nations are globally renowned for their contributions to international diplomacy. Why do Nordic countries excel as peace mediators? In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to the president of Iceland, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson;…
Iran and Saudi Arabia: friends again?
Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. Will this landmark rapprochement have a ripple effect across the Middle East? Andrew Mueller speaks to…
