
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

Is America the north star it used to be?
In this special episode, recorded partially in Washington during the Nato Summit, we take a look at the United States’ willingness and ability to assume its traditional role as leader of the free world…

Nato comes to Washington
‘The Foreign Desk’ broadcasts from Washington for Nato’s 75th anniversary summit, with Joe Biden playing host under an intense spotlight. Andrew Mueller speaks to ministers from Estonia, Latvia and Moldova, as well as Ian…

How will Keir Starmer relate to the world?
The UK sees its first change in government since Brexit. We explore how Keir Starmer will tackle relations with the EU, US and Middle East, as well as asylum policy. Andrew Mueller speaks with…

What does Iran want?
Iran’s influence is growing across the Middle East, with its proxies now dangerously close to an all-out war with Israel. Could presidential elections or an eventual ayatollah succession lead to a change in course?…

What will it take to achieve peace in Ukraine?
The Ukraine peace summit did not lead to peace but it did surprise on the upside with more than 90 countries. Andrew Mueller was also in attendance in Switzerland. He reviews the summit’s tangible…

Can the far-right govern in Europe?
Voting for the far-right is no longer merely a protest for many. After the EU elections, we look at who can govern effectively, and who can be defeated. Andrew Mueller speaks with Sophie Pedder…

India and its neighbours
Narendra Modi has secured a third term as India’s prime minister despite losing more votes than expected in the country’s election. We explore Modi’s foreign-policy doctrine and his testy relationship with Pakistan, China and…

Georgia’s uncertain European future
Georgia has been gripped by protests as its parliament has passed a law that will force many of its NGOs and media to register as foreign agents. We look at what this means for…

Where did things go wrong for South Africa’s ANC?
The African National Congress looks likely to win South Africa’s upcoming election, despite facing the prospect of securing less than 50 per cent of the vote for the first time in its history. Is…

The Black Sea
Russia celebrated its annual Black Sea Fleet Day with a notably smaller fleet in Sevastopol than just a few years ago. How has Ukraine managed to win in the sea? What has the Nato…