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
Climate change: could militaries save the world?
Climate change is not merely an environmental problem; it’s also a threat to security and stability, and a possible cause of conflict. Could it therefore be the case that climate security and national security…
‘We told you so’
As Russia’s attacks on Ukraine rage on, Baltic and Balkan countries are feeling vindicated in their warnings about Putin’s intentions. For years, the regions have warned about the immediate dangers posed by Russia and…
Finland and Sweden: in NATO’s waiting room
It’s been more than a year since Finland and Sweden submitted their applications to become NATO’s 31st and 32nd members. While the two Nordic neighbours remain on the cusp of joining the alliance, Turkey…
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, Iceland’s minister for foreign affairs, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, and the…
Nigeria’s election: what is at stake?
Next week voters in Africa’s most populous nation will head to the polls to elect a new president. What are the main issues dominating the election and how will it impact the wider region?…
Will the Adani affair hurt Narendra Modi?
As India gears up for its general election next year, anger over the Adani empire led by Gautam Adani, a Modi ally, is growing. Will the Adani affair cast a shadow on the prime…
The global ageing crisis: are we ready?
Many developed nations face a looming ageing-population crisis. What are governments doing to cope with this global trend that poses major political and economic challenges? Andrew Mueller speaks to Agnès Poirier, James Raymo, Marie…
Lula 3.0: what lies ahead for Brazil?
Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva was sworn in as Brazil’s president for the third time in January in a stunning comeback following four years of Bolsonaro’s far-right government. The newly inaugurated president now faces…
No defence: Germany’s military reluctance
This week, Germany found itself needing a new defence minister amid criticisms for not agreeing to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. Why is Germany still so afraid of taking a military stance? Is…
A climate for conflict: how the environment shapes warfare
The environment and the climate are factors in every conflict; the changing of the seasons has been arguably decisive on many occasions. How have militaries learned to adapt? How can those lessons be applied…
