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 336: Lebanon and Israel’s maritime mediation
Lebanon and Israel seem to be close to striking a deal on a disputed border in the Mediterranean. Andrew Mueller explains why this is surprising and why we shouldn’t see it as the beginning of a peace negotiation.
Taking a right turn
Right-wing victories in Italy and Sweden have unsettled Europe, stoking concerns about a new rightward tilt. What’s behind the rise of populism in both countries and what does this mean for Europe? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ed Stocker, Nicholas Aylott, Francesco Costa and Chiara Rimella.
Explainer 335: Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?
Andrew Mueller takes a look at the alleged founder of the Russian network of mercenaries the Wagner Group.
What future awaits Hong Kong?
Twenty-five years ago, Hong Kong was handed back to China under a novel arrangement called “one country, two systems”. Following a tumultuous decade of unrest and government restrictions, what kind of future awaits Hong Kong? Andrew Mueller speaks to exiled pro-democracy activist Nathan Law, Professor Steve Tsang, president of the…
Explainer 334: What is the European Political Community?
Next month, Prague will host the first summit of the European Political Community. Andrew Mueller explains what it is and how it differs from the European Union.
Queen Elizabeth II: a funeral like no other
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be one of the largest diplomatic events in history. Emperors, kings, queens and other foreign leaders will descend on London to pay their respects to the UK’s longest-reigning monarch. How important will this event be in terms of international relations? Andrew Mueller speaks…
Explainer 333: ‘Lèse-majesté’
Monarchies can last only for as long as their citizens believe in them. Andrew Mueller examines what happens when the public doesn’t have a choice.
Apocalypse now?
From nuclear armageddon to climate change, fears over doomsday scenarios have a long history. But where does this obsession with the end of the world come from and what does this reveal about real-world politics? Andrew Mueller speaks to Mike Bruford, Asmund Asdal, Tea Krulos, Sarah Posner and Michael Mills.
Explainer 332: Changing of the guard
This week, Liz Truss was announced as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. Andrew Mueller explains why visiting the Queen is the first (and last) stop for each PM.
Polar powers: the future of Arctic security
Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has called for the alliance to boost its presence in the Arctic amid Russia’s military build-up in the region. As the Arctic undergoes significant shifts due to climate change and increasing interest from major powers, we ask what this means for the future of the region’s…
