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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One year on from the toppling of the Assad regime, how far has Syria’s revolution come?
One year on from the spectacular toppling of the Assad regime, has the Syrian revolution achieved its aims? How well is President al-Sharaa governing and remaking his image? Will global intervention help or hurt the state?
34:29
Explainer 496: Is Hegseth in deep water?
Self-styled US “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth is facing criticism for striking boats off the coast of Venezuela, killing more than 80 people. But will there be any consequences?
06:55
Powering Purpose
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with a panel of experts from Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova and Aurora.
27:34
What do Russians really think of Putin?
How many Russians support President Putin’s worldview? Does real opposition exist? Leading dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza outlines how Russia and the West must prepare for the post-Putin era, and why those efforts must begin now.
35:47
Explainer 495: What’s the deal with the Ukraine peace deal?
Does Ukraine stand to gain anything from the US-brokered peace deal? And does Russia even want the war to end?
08:04
Stranger than fiction?
Many politicians and diplomats serve during incidents that feel stranger than fiction. Veep writer David Quantick and former UK ambassador John Everard discuss how entertainment and politics interact.
33:23
Explainer 494: The bright side of Ukraine’s corruption scandal
It has been a tough week for Zelensky’s government. But is there a bright side to the corruption scandal gripping Ukraine? Andrew Mueller explains.
07:33
How the Arctic is hotting up
As the ice recedes, geopolitical tensions are emerging among arctic nations – not to mention China and the US. What are the stakes? And how can this region be better defended?
30:36
Explainer 493: Trump vs the BBC
The BBC is the latest media outlet to find itself at the mercy of Trump’s legal team. Does this spell the end of the embattled British institution? Or just another passing feud for the litigious president?
08:39
Are the world’s Gen Z protests different?
Young people across the world are taking to the streets, setting fire to parliaments and toppling governments. But why now? And are these activists any different to previous generations?
30:16