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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
Explainer 386: Slovakia’s new direction?
Last weekend, Slovakia narrowly voted in Robert Fico, leader of the Smer party, as prime minister. He is in a legal battle with his president and one of his few allies appears to be Hungary’s pro-Putin leader, Viktor Orbán. Andrew Mueller explains how this new leadership is at odds with…
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France has withdrawn its ambassador to Niger and announced the removal of its troops from the country following a military coup whose anti-French rhetoric has stirred up animosity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…
Explainer 385: Saudi Arabia and Israel
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both signalled a strong desire to normalise relations between their countries. Andrew Mueller explains why this would be consequential and the hurdles both parties face.
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…
Explainer 384: Eritrean cultural festivals
Expat Eritreans around the world have been protesting against Eritrean cultural festivals held in their cities. Andrew Mueller explains why the events’ links to the country’s incumbent president, Isaias Afwerki, have incensed those who have left their homeland.
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…
Explainer 383: Sikhs vs Modi vs Trudeau
Andrew Mueller explains how protests by the Sikh diaspora of Canada led to a frosty reception for the country’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, at the G20 summit in India.
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…
Explainer 382: Friends like these
Andrew Mueller explains the growing relationship between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, and the potential implications that it may have for Russia.
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.
