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
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…
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…
