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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 361: Six degrees from Ireland
About 45 million Americans claim Irish ancestry – almost 10 times the population of Ireland. This is especially true of US presidents from John F Kennedy onwards. Andrew Mueller explains why.
Good Friday Agreement, 25 years on
It has been 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, a landmark accord that largely ended three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. As the country marks the milestone of a quarter century of (relative) peace, what challenges remain? Andrew Mueller speaks to Jonathan Powell, Aoife Moore…
Explainer 360: A Presidential Incarceration?
Donald Trump appeared in a New York court this week facing 34 felony charges. Andrew Mueller explains whether incarceration can preclude the former president from being re-elected.
Why are Nordic nations great mediators?
Nordic nations are globally renowned for their contributions to international diplomacy. Why do Nordic countries excel as peace mediators? In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to the president of Iceland, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson; the former prime minister of Finland, Alexander Stubb; Janne Taalas, Jonathan Powell and Heini Lehtinen.
Explainer 359: It’s about time
Lebanese citizens were left hanging this week after an indecision on daylight saving time. Andrew Mueller explains.
Iran and Saudi Arabia: friends again?
Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. Will this landmark rapprochement have a ripple effect across the Middle East? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sanam Vakil, Bernard Haykel, Vali Nasr and Yossi Mekelberg.
Explainer 358: Colombia: Total Peace
In 2022, Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, introduced his Total Peace concept, a plan intended to encourage criminal gangs to compromise with the government. Andrew Mueller explains how recent events have impeded such ambitions.
Climate change: could militaries save the world?
Climate change is not merely an environmental problem; it’s also a threat to security and stability, and a possible cause of conflict. Could it therefore be the case that climate security and national security are the same thing? Andrew Mueller speaks to the deputy prime minister of Luxembourg, François Bausch,…
Explainer 357: The awkward truth about Aukus
The US, UK and Australia have announced details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Andrew Mueller explains how we got here.
‘We told you so’
As Russia’s attacks on Ukraine rage on, Baltic and Balkan countries are feeling vindicated in their warnings about Putin’s intentions. For years, the regions have warned about the immediate dangers posed by Russia and now the west appears to be listening. In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to the…
