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 316: A Davos special in association with Finnish Flow
Following a Covid delay, the annual World Economic Forum at Davos is finally taking place again from 22 to 26 May. This year, there will be some new participants – representatives from eight cutting-edge Finnish companies that are innovating within energy, technology, healthcare and education under the banner Finnish Flow.…
Children of giants
In this special episode of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we speak to the descendants of major political figures. What’s it really like to be the child of a head of state? How weird is it when everyone else’s president is your parent? And are the descendants of villains able to move…
Explainer 315: Taliban and the burqa
When the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in the wake of the allied forces’ sudden departure, they assured the world that things would be different this time. This was the Taliban 2.0 after a progression of 20 years. But this week saw the return of the burqa along with hefty…
In sickness and in health: world leaders and illness
We all suffer from illness but, for world leaders, it can be a major PR challenge. Can one person’s illness change the course of history? Andrew Mueller speaks to Dr Dan Poulter, Alex von Tunzelmann, Lance Price and Leah J Greene.
Explainer 314: The ghost of Kyiv and other stories
Andrew Mueller delves into the world of wartime legends and explains who “the ghost of Kyiv” really is.
What is the future of space co-operation?
As space enthusiasts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 16, we examine how space has been used throughout history as an arena for international co-operation. Andrew Mueller speaks to Nasa’s former chief historian Bill Barry, astronaut manager Christina Korp and veteran Nasa astronaut Nicole Stott.
Explainer 313: The case for compulsory voting
Almost 30 per cent of the French electorate declined to vote last weekend, while a projected 90 per cent of voters will turn out for Australia’s federal elections later this year. The difference is compulsory voting.
What does it mean to be English?
On St George’s Day, we discuss the complexities of Englishness. What does it mean to be English, as opposed to British? Why are so many on the left hesitant to embrace the national flag and how has this shaped the country’s politics? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ailsa Henderson, Christy Evans,…
Explainer 312: Is there peace after InfoWars?
The far-right conspiracy website, headed by radio host Alex Jones, has filed for bankruptcy following defamation lawsuits. Andrew Mueller explains the effect of Jones’s fake-news empire and asks whether its legacy can be so easily quelled.
What’s next for Pakistan?
Shehbaz Sharif has been sworn in as Pakistan’s 23rd prime minister, following the ousting of Imran Khan. How did we get here and what’s next for the politically volatile country? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ian Talbot, Samira Shackle and Ahmed Rashid.
