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
Iran: an unstoppable movement?
For more than two months, Iran has been rocked by protests ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police. The unrest has continued steadily as women and…
NATO’s revival
Once declared “brain-dead” by Emmanuel Macron, NATO has been rejuvenated by the conflict in Ukraine. In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to General Philip Breedlove, NATO’s former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and General…
Why aren’t there more women in politics?
While female representation in politics has improved in recent years, gender parity remains a distant dream. Women comprise more than half of the global population but only 26 per cent of lawmakers around the…
Historical series: The Trojan War
In part three of our historical series, we travel back to the Bronze Age to revisit the Trojan War. Why did the Trojans fall for the Greeks’ wooden-horse stunt? Andrew Mueller speaks to Hannah…
Historical series: Easter Rising
In part two of our historical series, we travel back to 1916 to chart the Easter Rebellion. What was happening in Ireland and how did the British authorities not see this coming? Andrew Mueller…
Historical series: The Sputnik crisis
In part one of our historical series, we travel back in time to 1957 to unpack the Sputnik crisis. What did this new satellite foreshadow, and how did the Soviet Union do it? Andrew…
Jens Stoltenberg
This week’s special guest on The Foreign Desk is NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, whose role has unexpectedly been extended for a year in light of current events. Andrew Mueller asks Stoltenberg for his…
Warsaw Security Forum: Part 2
In the second of our special episodes recorded at the Warsaw Security Forum, Andrew Mueller sits down with Angela Merkel’s former foreign policy advisor, Belarus’s opposition leader and Luxembourg’s deputy prime minister.
Warsaw Security Forum: Lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
In this special episode recorded at the Warsaw Security Forum, we examine what the world has learnt from nearly eight months of war in Ukraine. Andrew Mueller speaks to General Philip Breedlove, Nato’s former…
Taking a right turn
Right-wing victories in Italy and Sweden have unsettled Europe, stoking concerns about a new rightward tilt. What’s behind the rise of populism in both countries and what does this mean for Europe? Andrew Mueller…
