The Foreign Desk

<p>​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. </p>

Shadow boxing in the Caribbean: Why is the US cornering Venezuela?

The US Navy sets sail for Venezuela. What does president Trump hope to accomplish with this gunboat diplomacy? How has president Maduro clung to power and will the US ever leave South America alone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-01
29:54

Explainer 481: Why has Australia thrown out Iran’s ambassador?

For the first time ever, Australia has expelled an ambassador. But why is Iran’s Ahmad Sadeghi packing his bags and what does it have to do with antisemitic attacks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-27
07:39

Who will run the world if the US doesn’t want to anymore?

As president Trump’s isolationist leanings become US foreign policy, is the era of the American hegemony over? Did the US lead us somewhere worthwhile? And if the US recedes, who steps up?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-23
32:50

Explainer 480: Myanmar and the perks of posing as a democracy

Myanmar’s military, which has held power since 2021, has announced a general election for later this year. Has Myanmar suddenly become a democracy? Or is something else afoot? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-20
07:02

Is a liberal Israel recoverable and might that be the key to peace?

Israel was once regarded as an essentially left-wing project. Now, the country has grown more conservative, defensive and, some would argue, extreme. Is a liberal Israel recoverable? And might that lead to peace?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-16
29:59

Explainer 479: Who are the Balochistan Liberation Army and why have they suddenly attracted US attention?

The Balochistan Liberation Army has been reclassified by the US as a “foreign terrorist organization”. But why the sudden interest in a Pakistani bête noire?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-13
07:08

Is popularity in politics a thing of the past?

Political leaders around the world face waning popularity and seem to be unable to change their fates. Is this the result of less effective leaders or more impatient electorates?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-09
37:39

Explainer 478: Why does Trump care about Bolsonaro?

Jair Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest after breaking pre-trial rules this week as he faces charges for attempting to stage a coup. But why is Trump throwing his support behind Brazil’s former president?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-06
06:46

The catastrophe in Gaza and the prospects of a Palestinian state

International pressure mounts on Israel to end its war in Gaza, which has been dubbed a “catastrophe of epic proportions” by the UN. Plus: we examine the prospect of a Palestinian state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-02
39:51

Explainer 478: Why is Islamic State targeting the DRC?

This week, militants attached to Islamic State attacked a church in Komanda, killing at least 43 people. Why is the jihadist group keen to establish itself in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-30
06:46

Cameroon’s forgotten crisis: Is reconciliation in the Anglo-Franco schism possible?

Cameroon’s 92 year-old president Paul Biya seeks re-election to extend his 43-year tenure. We investigate the long and often violent conflict in his country. Is Anglo-Franco reconciliation possible? And is anyone paying attention?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-26
39:02

Explainer 477: What is behind the violence in Syria?

Andrew Mueller examines the fatal clashes between Druze and Bedouin Syrians.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-23
06:19

Explainer 476: Lesotho’s one-man fight for South African land

A Lesotho MP is facing charges after accusing the country’s monarch of signing over land to its neighbour, South Africa. Andrew Mueller explains the history and prospects of this decidedly niche territorial dispute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-22
08:03

The future of warfare

From drones to radios, the war in Ukraine has rapidly accelerated technical development. In this fast-evolving landscape, what does the future of warfare hold and will humans have a role on the battlefield?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-19
34:25

Dynastic democracies

Recent Filipino elections were, arguably, a political episode of family feud. We examine the creation and durability of political dynasties. Plus: a banned would-be Thai leader explains how to run against a prime minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-12
34:08

Explainer 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?

Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-09
06:44

How to topple a tyrant

As last year’s rapid descent of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad attests, when a dictator falls, they fall fast. But what are the conditions under which that fall occurs? And how can they be sparked?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-05
35:32

Explainer 474: Tuvalu’s climate-change escape to Australia

Andrew Mueller explains the relocation ballot being offered to Tuvaluans by Australia and what’s in it for the host nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-02
06:32

Has the ‘12-Day War’ settled anything?

 Despite Trump’s assertions, the state of play between Israel and Iran remains unclear. We’re joined by Arash Azizi, Tara Kangarlou and Tom Nichols to consider the possible consequences of the past 12 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-28
34:24

Explainer 473: Cambodia, Thailand and phone-call warfare

Andrew Mueller explains the leaked phone call scandalising Thailand in its ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-25
07:06

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06-26 Reply

Dunx Moass

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland says Quentin ...

11-07 Reply

Ali samaei

really enjoyed historical series. clever and diffrent perspective. more of these please

08-11 Reply

Tom Rooney

"Do you think it [q anon] could become dangerous?" ?? Do you think BLM could become dangerous, you idiots?

09-24 Reply

Jennifer Danner

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06-22 Reply

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