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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
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…
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.
