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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
Nato comes to Washington
‘The Foreign Desk’ broadcasts from Washington for Nato’s 75th anniversary summit, with Joe Biden playing host under an intense spotlight. Andrew Mueller speaks to ministers from Estonia, Latvia and Moldova, as well as Ian Bremmer and former US defence official Ian Brzezinski. Plus: the story of Nato’s longest-serving spokesperson, Oana…
Explainer 425: Is this the end of Ecowas?
Andrew Mueller explains why the West African junta have turned their back on Ecowas and what it means for the bloc.
How will Keir Starmer relate to the world?
The UK sees its first change in government since Brexit. We explore how Keir Starmer will tackle relations with the EU, US and Middle East, as well as asylum policy. Andrew Mueller speaks with Claire Ainsley, Anand Menon, Mina Al-Oraibi and Sarah Singer.
Explainer 424: Replacing Joe Biden
Andrew Mueller explains how the Democratic Party would replace Joe Biden should he choose to step down.
What does Iran want?
Iran’s influence is growing across the Middle East, with its proxies now dangerously close to an all-out war with Israel. Could presidential elections or an eventual ayatollah succession lead to a change in course? Andrew Mueller speaks to Iranian-American journalist Farnaz Fassihi of ‘The New York Times’, Iraqi analyst Renad…
Explainer 423: Will Ukraine and Moldova ever join the EU?
The European Union formally launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova this week. Andrew Mueller explains why the tortuous process that has left many countries in limbo might, nevertheless, be a good thing for these two nations.
What will it take to achieve peace in Ukraine?
The Ukraine peace summit did not lead to peace but it did surprise on the upside with more than 90 countries. Andrew Mueller was also in attendance in Switzerland. He reviews the summit’s tangible results and speaks to Australia’s Bill Shorten, as well as Iuliia Osmolovska and Lili Bivings from…
Explainer 422: Friends with benefits
As Vladimir Putin visits Kim Jong-un, Andrew Mueller explains why a warm relationship is so advantageous for both Russia and North Korea.
Can the far-right govern in Europe?
Voting for the far-right is no longer merely a protest for many. After the EU elections, we look at who can govern effectively, and who can be defeated. Andrew Mueller speaks with Sophie Pedder in France, Marilisa Palumbo in Italy and Ben Stanley in Poland.
Explainer 421: Israel and the UN
Andrew Mueller explains whether Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, will adhere to the UN Security Council resolution and if he even has much of a choice.
