The Foreign Desk
Presented by Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features expert guests and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.
Wed, April 02, 2025
Explainer 461: Marine Le Pen and the movable feast of far-right law and order
This week Marine Le Pen was convicted of embezzlement and banned from seeking public office for five years. Andrew Mueller explains why the far right cares deeply about law and order – until its own is in the dock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 29, 2025
Is Erdoğan’s crackdown backfiring?
Hundreds of thousands of protestors have poured onto Turkey’s streets after president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his authorities arrested Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu. Since then, thousands more have been arrested, detained and, in the case of some foreign journalists, deported. So, what prompted the move? And, after 22 years in charge, could Erdoğan’s latest power grab prove a step too far? We hear from experts on the ground. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Explainer 460: Jeffrey Goldberg has exited the war chat
As the US government scrambles to explain why the editor in chief of ‘The Atlantic’ was added to a group chat discussing war plans, Andrew Mueller considers just how serious a security breach this is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 22, 2025
Syria: Is this going to work?
The unloading of Bashar al-Assad in December was a hopeful moment for Syria. The installation of his successor, jihadist commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, was a more nervous one. We discuss the mood among civilians with journalist Zaina Erhaim and Monocle’s Hannah Lucinda Smith, following the latter’s trip to Damascus in February. We also hear Slovenia’s foreign affairs minister, Tanja Fajon, who has met Syria’s interim president, and consider the implications for the country’s neighbours with Faysal Itani, the senior director of Middle East programs at the New Lines Institute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 19, 2025
Explainer 459: Why has Rwanda severed ties with Belgium?
Following Rwanda’s expulsion of Belgium’s diplomats this week, Andrew Mueller explains the European nation’s troubled history of involvement in Rwanda and the DRC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 15, 2025
Nato’s frontline: the view from the Baltics
‘ The Foreign Desk’ speaks to leaders from Nato’s Baltic members about the vexing, existential questions they face: what happens if Russia strikes one of them? Is Nato’s Article 5 the unassailable security that it used to be? Is it worthwhile to keep telling Western Europe “we told you so”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 12, 2025
Explainer 458: Why is Rodrigo Duterte being sent to The Hague?
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has been arrested and sent to The Hague, where he will face charges for crimes against humanity. Andrew Mueller explains the former president’s bloody ‘war on drugs’ and its marked popularity with voters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 08, 2025
Has the US given up?
It is clear by now that Donald Trump’s second administration will not be a rerun of the first. Why has the United States tilted away from Europe? Is there any method to the apparent madness? And how should Europe adjust? Leaders from the CIA, Nato and the US military join ‘The Foreign Desk’ to sift through the US’s new reality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 05, 2025
Explainer 457: What does Ukraine do now?
What shape will the war in Ukraine take now that president Trump has paused all military aid? Andrew Mueller unpacks the nation’s prospects following Friday’s showdown in the Oval Office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 01, 2025
Russia’s ripple effect
Russia’s rampage in Ukraine has had knock-on effects elsewhere, few if any of them positive. At the Munich Security Conference, Georgia’s president Salome Zourabichvili told us how she’s fighting Russian interference at home, and Belarus’s exiled opposition leader discussed how Moscow is underpinning her country’s tyrant. Leaders from the countries staring down the threat from the Kremlin join ‘The Foreign Desk’ to tell us how to defeat the menace at the gate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 26, 2025
Explainer 456: What’s halting Germany’s defence? History.
As security risks on the European continent rise and the US retreats from its historic role, will Germany be able to shake off its history and arm itself to meet the moment? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, February 22, 2025
Very well, alone?
In the week following US vice president JD Vance’s explosive speech at the Munich Security Conference, European leaders scrambled to two emergency summits to consider the prospect of American detachment. In this special episode recorded at the conference, we reflect on this new reality almost exactly three years on from the invasion of Ukraine. We speak with current and former office-holders, including Pål Jonson, Sweden’s minister of defence, and Oleksii Reznikov, former minister of defence of Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 19, 2025
Explainer 455: Mauritius’s money-laundering prime minister
Former Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth was arrested last weekend after the country’s Financial Crimes Commission recovered suitcases full of banknotes worth over €2m. We explain why the scandal is not just bad news for Mauritius but the UK too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, February 15, 2025
Is Serbia OK?
Between the infrastructure disaster that has sparked prolonged protests and the ongoing troubles with Kosovo, Albania and Nato, is Serbia OK? Andrew Mueller speaks to the country’s minister of foreign affairs, Marko Đurić, and our Balkans correspondent, Guy De Launey, for the view from the ground. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 12, 2025
Explainer 454: New Zealand’s beef with its neighbours
Why has New Zealand fallen out with the Cook Islands and Kiribati? And what does China have to do with it? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, February 08, 2025
How to win a trade war
It seems clear that the newly inaugurated US president Trump has a philosophy on trade wars: they are good and easy to win. Tina Fordham, Alex von Tunzelmann and Elisabeth Braw join us to discuss whether the history of trade wars can tell us anything about how to wage one. And are these new economic tussles really anything remarkable, or just part of a wider backlash against globalisation? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, February 05, 2025
Explainer 453: Does China really control the Panama Canal?
Is there any truth to Donald Trump’s claims that China controls the Panama Canal or is he out of his depth? Following secretary of state Marco Rubio’s meeting with Panama’s president, Andrew Mueller explains the US’s rocky history with the country and its waterways. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, February 01, 2025
What is Rwanda doing in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The idea of Rwanda invading the Democratic Republic of Congo looks, on paper, preposterous. However, as an alliance of rebel groups seized Goma, the biggest city in the DRC’s east, we ask: what is the plan? Fred Bauma joins Andew Mueller with the latest from Kinshasa. Then: Jason Stearns and Michela Wrong tell us about the history behind this conflict and consider the view from Rwanda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 29, 2025
Explainer 452: Trump’s Greenland grab
Why is US president Donald Trump eyeing up Greenland? And if it’s not for sale, would he take it by force? Andrew Mueller explains the likelihood of an old-school territorial conquest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, January 25, 2025
Can the Israel-Hamas ceasefire become lasting peace?
Relative calm has descended over Gaza after 15 months of war. A ceasefire agreement has been enacted but what happens next is unclear. Nada AlTaher, Esther Solomon and Aaron David Miller join Andrew Mueller to discuss how Palestinians would like to move forward, the domestic political tensions in Israel and whether real peace is on the table. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 22, 2025
Explainer 451: The veteran rebels behind Colombia’s violent turf war
At least 100 people were killed this week during renewed fighting in Colombia’s northeast. Who is involved? And what are they fighting over? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, January 17, 2025
Mr Trump goes to Washington: the sequel
Donald J Trump will head to the National Mall in Washington on Monday for his second inauguration. When he takes the oath of office, Trump will become the second man to serve non-consecutive terms as president and the first convicted criminal to inhabit the White House. Tom Nichols, Nathalie Tocci and Alex von Tunzelmann join Andrew Mueller to consider what Trump 2.0 means for the US and the world. Plus: what makes for an inaugural address to remember? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 15, 2025
Explainer 450: What is Lebanon’s new government up against? Spoiler: itself
As Lebanon welcomes a new president and prime minister, Andrew Mueller explains the peculiarities of the country’s 1943 political settlement and why it has proved to be an inhibitor to actual governance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, January 11, 2025
The legacies of US presidents
As US president Joe Biden’s time in office comes to a close, we consider how to assess the legacies of national leaders. What makes a president great? And why do our views change over time? Andrew speaks with the custodians of these legacies – biographers, presidential library directors and historians – to see how these mythologies are created and maintained. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 08, 2025
Explainer 449: Is China cutting Taiwan’s cables or are their wires crossed?
Andrew Mueller explains how likely it is that China is cutting Taiwan’s undersea cables and what’s in it for them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, January 04, 2025
The geopolitical risks of 2025
Andrew Mueller talks to Lithuania’s outgoing foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, and Monocle regulars Latika Bourke, Yossi Mekelberg and Charles Hecker about what to keep an eye on as geopolitical risks rise in 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, December 28, 2024
Elections, conflicts and the rise of the right: a look at 2024
More than one billion people headed to the polls, wars turned into regional crises and right-wing parties found new footholds in 2024. Andrew Mueller speaks with electoral expert Tony Banbury, and Monocle regulars Latika Bourke, Charles Hecker and Yossi Mekelberg take stock of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, December 21, 2024
The case for foreign aid
The holidays are a time of giving but wealthy nations have not been in a generous mood. Andrew Mueller explores the case for foreign aid and how to turn the concept into a win-win for both donor and recipient. With Mark Lowcock, Andrew Mitchell and Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Explainer 448: Trudeau in trouble
Following the scathing resignation letter of his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, Andrew Mueller explains why Canada’s prime minister may be about to lose his job and what Trump has in store if he doesn’t. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, December 14, 2024
The spectacular fall of the Assad regime
How did the rebels manage to topple Bashar al-Assad’s regime so quickly? How inclusive will any new government realistically be? Who in the region wins and who loses? Andrew Mueller speaks with Syrian-born writer Rime Allaf, counter-insurgency expert David Kilcullen, Middle East security analyst Burcu Ozcelik and Russia expert Mark Galeotti. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 11, 2024
Explainer 447: Why is Israel striking Syria?
As Syrians celebrate Assad’s fall, Israel is striking targets across the country. Andrew Mueller explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, December 07, 2024
The case for indigenous political inclusion
Against strong resistance, indigenous communities are asserting their right to inclusion in the political systems of their respective nations. Andrew Mueller speaks to Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, the illustrator of ‘When the World Was Soft: Yindjibarndi Creation Stories’, Alex Mankiewicz, and a justice of the Shawnee Tribe Supreme Court and law professor, Kristen Carpenter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 04, 2024
Explainer 446: The South Korean coup that wasn’t
As South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol attempts to undo last night’s shock announcement of martial law, Andrew Mueller explains the real reasons behind the attempted coup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 30, 2024
Taiwan’s China problem
As Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te embarks on his first international tour, we explore this delicate moment for an island that China still claims as a rogue province. Will China really try to reclaim Taiwan? And how would the island – and its allies – go about its defence? Andrew Mueller speaks with journalist, William Yang, and defence expert, Arthur Ding, in Taipei, plus filmmaker Venessa Hope in London. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 27, 2024
Explainer 445: Are Romania’s election candidates really that surprising?
As we wait to hear if Romania will annul its first round of elections, Andrew Mueller explains why the shocking result should not be that shocking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 23, 2024
Is Europe ready for war?
This week, households in Sweden received a government pamphlet entitled ‘In Case Of Crisis Or War’, while similar manuals were published across Scandinavia. Some European nations are evidently preparing for war, but are they ready? Andrew Mueller is joined by Monocle’s Gunnar Gronlid to speak with Richard Shirreff, the former Nato Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, former director and CEO of the German Council on Foreign Relations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 20, 2024
Explainer 444: Why are New Zealand’s Maori protesting?
Andrew Mueller explains the origin of the controversial bill New Zealand’s Maori are protesting against. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 16, 2024
Trump’s doctrine: the sequel
Following Trump’s first cabinet appointments, we consider what his second term might mean for tensions between international powers. Andrew Mueller speaks with Amy Mackinnon, national security reporter for ‘Foreign Policy’; John Herbst, former US ambassador to Ukraine; Stephen Young, former ambassador to China; and Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 13, 2024
Explainer 443: The motives behind Equatorial Guinea’s sex scandal
African social media has been awash with scandalous videos of Baltasar Ebang Engonga, head of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, filmed by the man himself, in his own office. Andrew Mueller explains the Shakespearian motives behind the leak and what it could mean for nation’s higher office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 09, 2024
Trump returns: what now?
As the dust settles on what was a shocking election result for some, we ask how Trump’s decisive victory happened and what it means for the US and the world. Andrew Mueller speaks to ‘The Atlantic’ staff writer Tom Nichols, the US’s former deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, Heather Conley, and co-director of the UCL Centre on US Politics, Julie Norman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, November 06, 2024
Explainer 442: The election result making Europe breathe a sigh of relief
While we take stock of what Trump’s victory means for the world, one country’s election result has had a more reassuring effect, at least for the EU. This week, Moldova reelected president Maia Sandu. Andrew Mueller explains what it means beyond the country’s borders and why it matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, November 02, 2024
US election counterintuitives
Trump the peacemaker, Obama the deporter, George W Bush the foreign aider. Ahead of the election, we interrogate the counterintuitive positions candidates have taken against their party’s (and their own) image, once in office. Why do so many US presidents campaign in one direction and govern in another? Andrew Mueller speaks with former USAID administrator Andrew Natsios. Plus: a roundtable with Leslie Vinjamuri of the US and the Americas programme at Chatham House and Charles Hecker of geopolitical risk consultancy, Control Risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 30, 2024
Explainer 441: In celebration of Uruguay’s drama-free election
As the US braces itself for next week’s anxiety-inducing vote and Georgians reel at their own controversial ballot result, Andrew Mueller explains why Uruguay has enjoyed a sublimely excitement-free election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, October 26, 2024
How the war in Ukraine has reshaped Asian foreign policy
The war in Ukraine and Russia has affected East Asian foreign policy in more ways than you might expect. We explore North and South Korea's involvement in the conflict with former UK ambassador John Everard, China’s watchful eye with Oriana Skylar Mastro and the pivotal forthcoming elections in Japan with James D Brown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 23, 2024
Explainer 440: Why don’t Australians care about King Charles III?
Andrew Mueller explains why Charles III's first visit to Australia as king has drawn the support of some, the ire of others and indifference from most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, October 19, 2024
Artificial intelligence: Scourge or saviour?
We explore the effects of artificial intelligence and the governments that are desperately trying to keep up with the technology. Are we all doomed or is there hope for mankind? Andrew Mueller speaks with Slovenia’s president, Natasa Pirc-Musar; Digital Europe director-general Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl; and CEO of Mission Control AI, Ramsay Brown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 16, 2024
Explainer 439: Why can’t UNIFIL keep the peace in Lebanon?
Following attacks by Israeli troops and the discovery of a Hezbollah tunnel close to its base, the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, is under scrutiny. Andrew Mueller explains why this nearly 50-year long deployment has failed to reduce tensions between Israel and Lebanon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, October 12, 2024
Strange borders
With arbitrary borders and conflicts becoming more fashionable of late, we explore three of the world’s stranger borders: Norway-Russia, Spain-Gibraltar and the Beaufort Sea between the US and Canada. Plus: Jonn Elledge author of ‘A History of The World in 47 Borders: The Stories Behind The Lines On Our Maps’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 09, 2024
Explainer 438: Is Russia and Ukraine’s gas deal about to blow?
Despite many countries backing out of energy deals with Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some remaining contracts have required Ukraine to maintain the pipeline between Russia and Europe. Andrew Mueller explains how this surreal business arrangement is funding both sides of the conflict, at least for the time being. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, October 05, 2024
Reflections on 7 October and the future
We look back on Hamas’s brutal attack, Israel’s deadly retaliation and the international community’s hopeless response. One year on, do we have any idea how this ends? Andrew Mueller speaks with Mairav Zonszein in Tel Aviv and Mina Al-Oraibi of ‘The National’ in Abu Dhabi. Plus: a roundtable with two former Israeli ambassadors and advocates of a two-state solution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 02, 2024
Explainer 437: Is Austria ‘Back to the Future’?
Although they have not achieved a majority, Austria’s Nazi-linked FPÖ party claimed victory after receiving the highest amount of votes at the weekend’s election. Andrew Mueller explains the group’s past and what we may learn for the present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, September 28, 2024
Where does Hezbollah go from here?
The Foreign Desk is live in the immediate hours after Israel announced the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Andrew Mueller speaks with David Wood of the International Crisis Group in Beirut, and analysts Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House. Plus: we hear from Hezbollah scholar Aurélie Daher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 25, 2024
Explainer 436: Sri Lanka’s new president
Andrew Mueller explores the reasons why Sri Lankans ditched their traditional leaders and plumped for Anura Kumara Dissanayake instead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, September 21, 2024
Keeping the Balkan peace
It has been more than a decade since a Western Balkan nation joined the European Union and long-simmering tensions between neighbours in the region are beginning to fray. In this special episode, largely recorded at the Globsec conference in Prague, we speak to those keeping the peace including Miroslav Lajčák, Christian Schmidt and former Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 18, 2024
Explainer 435: Kashmir elections
Andrew Mueller explains the significance of holding local elections in Jammu and Kashmir. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, September 14, 2024
In defence of Europe
After the election of US president Donald Trump in 2016 and Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a consensus has formed that Europe needs to do more – and spend more – to look after itself. But at a time when the cost of living and other domestic issues remain a priority for many governments, there is little appetite to spend on something that might never be used. In this special episode recorded at the recent Globsec forum in Prague, we speak to Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, Denis Mercier, Lieutenant General Piotr Blazeusz and Jiri Sedivy to consider threats to Europe and their necessary responses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 11, 2024
Explainer 434: Is the EU-topia failing?
As Germany enforces tougher checks on all its borders, Andrew Mueller questions what this will mean for the Schengen Area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, September 07, 2024
Globsec 2024 highlights
The first edition in our special series recorded at the Globsec Forum in Prague. We hear a selection of highlights including an insight into defending a country during active conflict with Ukraine’s former defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov; EU harmony with Czechia’s foreign minister, Jan Lipavský; Nato’s priorities with General Chris Badia; and the struggles of democratic journalism as the far-right rises with editor in chief of ‘SME’ Beata Balogová. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, September 04, 2024
Explainer 433: Brazil vs X
Andrew Mueller explains why Brazil has banned the social media platform X. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, August 31, 2024
Is centrism in retreat?
Amid this year’s elections, protests, frustrations and rise in authoritarianism, we explore what centrism really stands for – and whether it is on the march or in retreat. Andrew Mueller speaks with Monocle’s Paris bureau chief, Simon Bouvier, author and Israeli advisor Yair Zivan and former US defence official Michèle Flournoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 28, 2024
Explainer 432: The theatre of war
Andrew Mueller explains why the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah seems to have peaked – and promptly fizzled out – over the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, August 24, 2024
The DNC, Gaza and US-Israeli relations
We explore how the US-Israel relationship has shifted over 10 months of war in Gaza and a change at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket. How might Kamala Harris approach the crisis differently than Joe Biden – and does the US still have any leverage to secure a long-term peace deal in the Middle East? Andrew Mueller speaks with Monocle’s US editor, Christopher Lord, analysts Julie Norman and Yossi Mekelberg, and former negotiator Aaron David Miller. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 21, 2024
Explainer 431: Putin the peacemaker
Andrew Mueller explains why Vladimir Putin fancies himself as a peacemaker between Azerbaijan and Armenia while his own country wages war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, August 17, 2024
Tech bros and diplomacy
How has Elon Musk reshaped political discourse and how much power does he have compared to the media barons of the past? Andrew Mueller explores the relationship between technology companies and governments, with David Gilbert of ‘Wired’, author and technologist Ansgar Baums, disinformation researcher Heidi Tworek and space-defence expert Clayton Swope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 14, 2024
Explainer 430: Will there be peace in Sudan?
As peace talks are set to begin in Geneva regarding Sudan’s year-long conflict, Andrew Mueller asks whether optimism about their success is foolhardy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, August 10, 2024
What now for France?
The Olympics provided some welcome respite for Emmanuel Macron and the French from their political headache. Have they learned anything about unity from the Games? In part two of our broadcasts live from Paris, Andrew Mueller speaks with French sports ambassador Laurence Fischer, Le Monde ‘M’ magazine editor Marie-Pierre Lannelongue and Paris-based journalist Simon Kuper. Plus: Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, August 07, 2024
Explainer 429: Mali and Ukraine
Andrew Mueller explains why Mali has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, August 03, 2024
The Olympic spirit
The Olympics have never been just about the sports. We explore what it means for athletes to represent their countries, the mood in France and the history of boycotts and other geopolitical moments at the Games. Recorded at our pop-up studio in Paris, Andrew Mueller speaks to French journalist Daphnée Denis, athlete Shaun Gill of Belize and the Olympic Refugee Team’s chef de mission, Masomah Ali Zada. Plus: Taiwan-based filmmaker Garret Clarke and historian Philip Barker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 31, 2024
Explainer 428: Too little too late?
As Ukraine prepares to receive some of the F-16s promised by Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark, Andrew Mueller asks whether such a small number this late in the war can actually make a difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, July 27, 2024
Is change coming to Venezuela?
Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, faces a real challenge to his presidency this weekend, with a united opposition of Edmundo González and María Corina Machado campaigning for victory. What will it take to unseat Maduro and the Chavismo legacy that he represents? Andrew Mueller speaks with opposition advisor Paola Bautista de Alemán, Latin America analyst Christopher Sabatini and Venezuelan historian Miguel Tinker Salas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 24, 2024
Explainer 427: Bangladesh’s quota quandary
Andrew Mueller explains why there have been deadly protests across Bangladesh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, July 20, 2024
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 in this pivotal era of global democracy. How much should America’s allies be worried? And if the US won’t be democracy’s arsenal any more, who will be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 17, 2024
Explainer 426: JD Vance
Ohio senator JD Vance has been announced as Donald Trump’s running mate and potential vice-president. Andrew Mueller explains his background and the likely reasons for his nomination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, July 13, 2024
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 Bremmer and former US defence official Ian Brzezinski. Plus: the story of Nato’s longest-serving spokesperson, Oana Lungescu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 10, 2024
Explainer 425: Is this the end of Ecowas?
Andrew Mueller explains why the West African junta have turned their back on Ecowas and what it means for the bloc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, July 06, 2024
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 Claire Ainsley, Anand Menon, Mina Al-Oraibi and Sarah Singer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, July 03, 2024
Explainer 424: Replacing Joe Biden
Andrew Mueller explains how the Democratic Party would replace Joe Biden should he choose to step down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, June 29, 2024
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? Andrew Mueller speaks to Iranian-American journalist Farnaz Fassihi of ‘The New York Times’, Iraqi analyst Renad Mansour and defence expert Jean-Loup Samaan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 26, 2024
Explainer 423: Will Ukraine and Moldova ever join the EU?
The European Union formally launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova this week. Andrew Mueller explains why the tortuous process that has left many countries in limbo might, nevertheless, be a good thing for these two nations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, June 22, 2024
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 results and speaks to Australia’s Bill Shorten, as well as Iuliia Osmolovska and Lili Bivings from Ukraine and Kristian Berg Harpviken of the Peace Research Institute Oslo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 19, 2024
Explainer 422: Friends with benefits
As Vladimir Putin visits Kim Jong-un, Andrew Mueller explains why a warm relationship is so advantageous for both Russia and North Korea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, June 15, 2024
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 in France, Marilisa Palumbo in Italy and Ben Stanley in Poland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 12, 2024
Explainer 421: Israel and the UN
Andrew Mueller explains whether Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, will adhere to the UN Security Council resolution and if he even has much of a choice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, June 08, 2024
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 Myanmar. Andrew Mueller speaks to Kapil Komireddi, Beenish Javed, Isabel Hilton and Ronan Lee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 05, 2024
Explainer 420: Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexico has elected its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. But, as Andrew Mueller explains, she has really been elected to continue the legacy of the incumbent president, Obrador. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, June 01, 2024
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 Georgia’s future in the EU and how such laws fit into the autocratic playbook. Andrew Mueller speaks to journalist Rayhan Demytrie, Georgian opposition leader Tinatin Bokuchava, Estonian foreign minister Markus Tsahkna and Christopher Sabatini. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 29, 2024
Explainer 419: Is Armenia conceding to Azerbaijan?
Andrew Mueller explains why Armenia’s prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has given villages to Azerbaijan, resulting in mass protests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, May 25, 2024
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 this the inevitable result of being in power for too long, or something else? Andrew Mueller speaks to Nwabisa Makunga of the country’s national daily Sowetan, author William Gumede and former opposition leader Tony Leon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 22, 2024
Explainer 418: Big trouble in New Caledonia
France and New Caledonia have seen better days. Andrew Mueller explains France’s role in the South Pacific territory and why Paris is blaming a fresh round of unrest there on Azerbaijan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, May 18, 2024
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 military alliance learned from that success? And how does Turkey exercise control as the gateway country to the Black Sea? We speak to Hanna Shelest in Odessa, James Bergeron of Nato Maritime Command and Turkish-American political scientist Soner Cagaptay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 15, 2024
Explainer 417: Catalonia’s fading separatist spirit
Andrew Mueller explains how the most recent Catalonian elections show that voters’ nationalist appetites may be waning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, May 11, 2024
Will the Baltics be next?
Olaf Scholz visited the First German Brigade, which is stationed in Lithuania as part of Berlin’s new commitment to defend the Baltic states. But is Nato ready for Russia’s next move? We speak with Lithuania’s foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Marion Messmer of Chatham House and General Richard Shirreff, former deputy supreme allied commander at Nato. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, May 08, 2024
Explainer 416: Panama’s proxy president
Panama has voted José Raúl Mulino as its new president. Andrew Mueller explains how, in reality, the endorsement belongs to his disqualified running mate, Ricardo Martinelli – a convicted criminal hiding under diplomatic asylum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, May 04, 2024
Calling it quits
Why do leaders resign early? We speak with Pat Leahy of ‘The Irish Times’, Jacinda Ardern’s former chief of staff Raj Nahna, former Armenian president Armen Sarkissian, and historian Alex von Tunzelmann for a look at quitters through history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, May 02, 2024
Explainer 415: Does peacekeeping work?
As UN peacekeepers are being forced to leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Andrew Mueller speculates on the future of peacekeeping operations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, April 27, 2024
Europe’s revival
How has the war in Ukraine affected EU integration? And has Europe’s political and strategic centre shifted eastward? We speak to former Swedish prime minister Stefan Löfven about the EU’s parliamentary elections, and to Romanian and Moldovan officials about the bloc’s enduring appeal. Plus: Anand Menon of King’s College London on whether the UK regrets leaving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 24, 2024
Explainer 414: Who are the Netzah Yehuda?
Andrew Mueller explains why the US government is placing sanctions on an ultra-Orthodox group of soldiers within the IDF. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, April 20, 2024
Delphi Economic Forum 2024
A special edition from Delphi about a newly confident Greece and its Balkan neighbours. Andrew Mueller speaks to president of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, the German ambassador to Greece, Andreas Kindl, Ukrainian MP Yulia Klymenko and Maria Gavouneli, director general of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, April 17, 2024
Explainer 413: Iran and Israel
Andrew Mueller explains why Iran delivered a missile strike against Israel and the potential ramifications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, April 13, 2024
Mice that roar
Global events tend to be shaped by the great powers: those countries with vast territories, enormous populations and proportionate economic and military heft. Nevertheless, small states not only survive but prosper, particularly in terms of GDP per capita and happiness reports. What are the advantages of being a small state? How can they make their voices heard? And what is it like to lead one? Andrew Mueller speaks to Armen Sarkissian, Sim Ann and Anett Numa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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