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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 366: What’s next for Thailand?
Though the people of Thailand have voted out the military in favour of the Move Forward Party, the way ahead remains unclear. Andrew Mueller explains why.
Baroness Catherine Ashton
Baroness Catherine Ashton, former high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, joins Andrew Mueller to discuss her remarkable career, the global response to the war in Ukraine and what it was like to sit across from Vladimir Putin.
Explainer 365: Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day speech
Russia’s Victory Day parade was a more low-key affair this year, with the exception of a vitriolic speech by Vladimir Putin. Andrew Mueller dissects the meaning behind the words.
Eurovision: Ukraine in the spotlight
Last year’s Eurovision Song Contest was a demonstration of the extraordinary political and diplomatic potency of this curious annual circus. For many of the same reasons, this year’s Eurovision will be as well. What has it meant to Ukraine to be the Eurovision champions this past year and how is…
Explainer 364: The coronation of King Charles III
Andrew Mueller explains what to expect from the upcoming coronation of the British monarch.
I spy
In this special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we speak to former spies from different intelligence services serving in different eras. We’ll find out how to recruit assets, disrupt communications, adopt false identities and, if necessary, get out in a hurry. And we’ll learn how and why spies become spies.
Explainer 363: Australia’s defence review
Australia’s defence review has identified an urgent need for the country to bolster its military personnel and weaponry, despite being in peacetime. Andrew Mueller discusses whether this conclusion is paranoid or has merit.
Thailand’s election: what is at stake?
The race to be Thailand’s next prime minister could result in a major opposition victory. Will the election be free and fair? Andrew Mueller speaks to Gwen Robinson, Kiara Kijburana and Pavin Chachavalpongpun, while James Chambers meets Korn Chatikavanij and Tisana Choonhavan.
Explainer 362: What’s happening in Sudan?
Andrew Mueller explains the background of the deadly conflict in Sudan.
Georgia on the brink
Georgia’s imprisoned former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, has become a focal point for thousands of Georgians who are protesting against what they believe is the government’s increasingly authoritarian – and pro-Russian – behaviour. What is behind the crisis in Georgia? Andrew Mueller speaks to Will Cathcart, Bill Browder, Rayhan Demytrie and…
