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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
How will AI revolutionise warfare?
The race to dominate Artificial Intelligence has become a major geopolitical concern and is certain to redefine warfare and deterrence. How will AI reshape militaries and the future of great-power competition? Andrew Mueller speaks to Scott Young, General John Allen, and Ulrike Franke.
France’s foreign policy
France has withdrawn its ambassador to Niger and announced the removal of its troops from the country following a military coup whose anti-French rhetoric has stirred up animosity in the region. Is President Macron the reason or the scapegoat for France’s diplomatic and strategic reverses in Africa? And what can…
In the Room: Falklands War
In the final episode of our special ‘In the Room’ series, we look back at the 10-week Falklands War between Argentina and the UK in 1982. Andrew Mueller speaks to Michael Heseltine, former deputy prime minister of the UK, David Omand, former director of the British government communications headquarters, and…
In the Room: Secret talks with Nelson Mandela
In part two of our ‘In the Room’ series, we speak to the key players involved in the secret talks that led to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Andrew Mueller speaks to Niël Barnard, the former head of South Africa’s National Intelligence Service, who conducted clandestine talks with Mandela, Willie…
In the Room: September 11 attacks
In part one of our special ‘In the Room’ series, we look back on the chilling moments that followed the September 11 terror attacks, meeting top aides who were rushed onto Air Force One with US president George W Bush, a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting first lady Laura…
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, Firas Maksad, Lina Khatib, and William Patey.
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 politically sensitive? Are there really plenty more fish in the sea? Andrew Mueller speaks to Tomohiko…
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 Georgina Godwin.
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 of power being shaped? And will this spell trouble for traditional powerbrokers Germany and France? Andrew…
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 onto conspiracy theories? And what does this mean for democracies? Andrew Mueller speaks to Marina Koren,…
