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 future of Syria
A wave of protests across government-controlled areas of Syria gathered momentum this week, with demonstrators demanding regime change. Is a future without Bashar al-Assad still possible for Syria? Andrew Mueller speaks to Leila Molana-Allen,…
With Cod on Our Side
The global fishing industry has found itself at the heart of major debates and conflicts. In this special episode we explore the curious power of fish in politics. What makes these aquatic animals so…
Zimbabwe’s high-stakes election
Zimbabweans will head to the polls next week to elect their country’s leader amid economic turmoil and vote-rigging fears. What is at stake? Andrew Mueller speaks to Hopewell Chin’ono, Fadzayi Mahere, Robert Chapman and…
Europe swings east
The war in Ukraine has shifted Europe’s centre of gravity eastward. As Poland and Ukraine rapidly expand their militaries, the two countries have positioned themselves as vanguards of Western defence. Is a new balance…
Are we living in a golden age of conspiracy theories?
Last week the US Congress held a bizarre hearing on UFOs, which included explosive testimony about alien spacecraft defying laws of physics. What did we learn from America’s UFO hearing? Why do people latch…
David H Petraeus
In this special episode, Andrew Mueller sits down with former CIA director David H Petraeus to discuss the Wagner mutiny and western support for the war in Ukraine.
What’s next for Nato?
In this episode recorded at the Nato summit in Vilnius, we examine the high-priority issues dominating the in-trays of foreign and defence ministers. Andrew Mueller speaks to the ministers of foreign affairs of Finland,…
Nato’s Ukraine dilemma
In this special episode, the team travels to Vilnius for a historic Nato summit. What’s in store for the alliance and when will Ukraine be joining? Andrew Mueller speaks to the prime minister of…
Imagining a Third World War
Militaries around the world are enlisting novelists to dream up the wars of the future. What can defence experts learn from science fiction? Andrew Mueller speaks to political scientist Peter Singer, general Sir Richard…
Lukashenko and Putin: brothers in arms?
Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko became an unexpected major player in the apparent resolution of the dispute between Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group and the Russian state. What does Belarus have to gain (and lose) from…
