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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
War: what is it good for?
In this special episode, we explore an uncomfortable and challenging subject: war. Why do we fight wars? How does conflict shape us? And does human nature doom us to fight one another? Andrew Mueller sits down with celebrated historian, Margaret MacMillan.
Fiona Hill
Andrew Mueller sits down with Fiona Hill, former White House aide and senior director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council, to discuss her memoir, working for the White House and how she prepared for her testimony at the impeachment hearing of Donald Trump.
Thomas Sankara and pan-Africanism
A landmark trial is taking place in Burkina Faso over the assassination, 34 years ago, of Thomas Sankara, the country’s then-president. Today, Sankara remains something of an icon for his interpretation of the philosophy of pan-Africanism. Who was Thomas Sankara? What did he stand for? And what does pan-Africanism mean…
Muqtada al-Sadr and the future of Iraq
Last week Iraq held a parliamentary election several months early, with Shia cleric and militia commander Muqtada al-Sadr emerging as the winner. What kind of Iraq does al-Sadr want? Andrew Mueller is joined by Sofia Nitti, Jane Arraf and Renad Mansour.
Nearly 10 years of ‘The Foreign Desk’
In this special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk’, Andrew Mueller and the team look back at some highlights of the show’s contribution to Monocle 24’s first decade.
Coalition politics: the highs and lows
Germany faces months of tough negotiations to form a coalition government following the country’s federal election on Sunday. As the intense process of horse-trading and manifesto-trimming gets underway, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of coalition-building. When are coalitions effective? What are the secrets to making one work? And what’s…
Total Recall: What happens when diplomatic relations turn sour?
France has recalled its ambassadors to the US and Australia as a response to the new AUKUS deal and Australia’s cancellation of a French submarine contract. But what do such gestures really mean? Do some countries just want to make a scene? How does a diplomatic spat actually work? Andrew…
Why is populism all the rage?
Police have increased security around the US Capitol ahead of a planned pro-Trump rally on 18 September. The expected demonstrations have brought a new wave of concern about the rise of populist anger. What is fuelling this resentment? Is far-left and far-right populism growing in Europe? And what does all…
Did we win the war on terrorism?
As the US commemorates the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Taliban are back in power in Afghanistan. How has the threat of terrorism changed in the two decades since the beginning of the War on Terror? Andrew Mueller speaks to Nathan Sales, David Kilcullen and Farah Pandith.
A New Dawn for Zambia?
It was a case of sixth time lucky for Hakainde Hichilema, who has become Zambia’s new president after five unsuccessful attempts. He inherits a troubled economy but his victory has raised hopes for change. How has he triumphed at last? And what effect might he have on aspiring leaders across…
