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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
Are there really no limits to Russian-Chinese relations?
The war in Ukraine has put Russia’s partnership with China to the test – but it remains unclear precisely where Beijing stands on the crisis. How solid is the alliance between the two countries and how have events in Ukraine changed things? Andrew Mueller speaks to Nina Khrushcheva, Isabel Hilton…
The war in Ukraine: what hasn’t happened?
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine isn’t going as he planned. This week on ‘The Foreign Desk’ we explore a number of events that most observers weren’t expecting. What happened to Russia’s Air Force? Why hasn’t Ukraine’s government and military collapsed? And why have Russian cyber and disinformation offensives not been catastrophic?…
The Foreign Desk Live: Russia invades Ukraine – week three
We get the latest from the ground in Ukraine and an update on the diplomatic talks in Turkey. Plus: the view from Estonia and a look at how the conflict could reshape the world order. Andrew Mueller speaks to Maria Aveeda, Chris Cermak, Estonian foreign minister Eva-Maria Liimets and Mark…
The Foreign Desk Live: Russia invades Ukraine – week two
Andrew Mueller gets the latest from on the ground in Ukraine. Plus: is this an opportunity for Putin’s political opponents? What’s the view from the Baltics? And how do you run an effective government in wartime? With Yulia Marushovska, Leonid Volkov, Artis Pabriks, Alona Shkrum and Alex Riabchyn.
The Foreign Desk Live: Russia invades Ukraine – week one
On 24 February, Russia commenced a full invasion of Ukraine. What is the latest? Can Ukraine continue to defend itself? And what is likely to happen next? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko, former Nato chief Richard Shirreff, as well as Russian journalist Ekaterina Kotrikadze and Russia expert…
What to expect from Olaf Scholz
The thorny issue of how to manage Vladimir Putin’s Russia is one of the biggest foreign-policy challenges facing Germany’s new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, who has come under fire for his perceived passivity in the face of Moscow aggression towards Ukraine. Where does Germany’s foreign-policy stance come from? How has it…
Canada’s trucker protests: where is this going?
As protesters in trucks continue to paralyse the centre of Ottawa, Justin Trudeau has demanded an end to the so-called Freedom Convoy blockade. Are we witnessing a pivotal moment in Canadian politics? What options do authorities have? And could this catch on elsewhere around the world? Andrew Mueller speaks to…
How do you solve a problem like Russia?
Amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, one thing is clear: Vladimir Putin’s obsession with the former Soviet republic is unlikely to waver. But this concern is nothing new for Russia’s eastern neighbours. How should the West deal with Moscow? And are there any lessons to be learned from…
The Foreign Desk Live: What’s happening in Ukraine?
Tensions between Moscow and Nato members are at their highest in years, as Russian troops mass on Ukraine’s border. Do Ukrainians believe a full-scale war is imminent? How are soldiers preparing on the front line? And what would a Russian assault on Ukraine look like? Andrew Mueller speaks to Monocle’s…
China’s Belt and Road: a win-win or debt trap?
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has manifested in railways, airports, seaports and highways all over the world. What is China’s endgame? How do locals feel about these development projects? And are we witnessing old-fashioned empire building but with Chinese characteristics? Andrew Mueller speaks to Isabel Hilton, Lucinda Elliott, Fiona Ey…
