The Foreign Desk
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.Social links:
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Trump: One down, three to go... (in theory)
As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos – or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?
32:49
Explainer 500: Why are Malaysia and Indonesia alone in taking on Grok?
Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?
07:48
What can the world expect in 2026?
Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.
28:30
Explainer 499: Why is Donald Trump ‘running’ Venezuela?
Trump has pledged to ‘run’ Venezuela after US forces captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Is this the beginning of a tripolar world between the US, China and Russia? And should Greenland, Cuba and Colombia be on edge?
08:40
The best of the Explainer 2025
The most notable world events that we explained in 2025.
35:27
The best of 2025
Andrew Mueller reflects on some of his favourite, and most impactful, conversations from the year on 'The Foreign Desk'
40:02
2025 in review
Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.
34:18
Explainer 498: Belarus’s balloon offensive
Lithuania has been beleaguered by balloons drifting into its airspace from neighbouring Belarus. What are the military advantages of this seemingly whimsical mode of transportation? And how severe is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains.
07:29
Could Taiwan draw the US, China and Japan into war?
Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation’s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved?
29:02
Explainer 497: The art of (stopping) the coup
Benin has become the latest West African state to face a coup. Andrew Mueller explains how the region’s history of upheavals gave president Patrice Talon the tools to stop the attempt.
06:31