Inflammatory claims in an open letter penned by several hundred members of the French military are causing a stir in France. The letter warns of the risk of civil war and targets radical Islam and national immigration policies – issues likely to loom large in next year’s presidential election. Andrew Mueller explains why the controversial letter matters in French politics.

​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. 

​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.

The Foreign Desk

Explainer 265: Letter by French soldiers warns of civil war

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. 

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.

Mice that roar

Zimbabwe is introducing its new official currency, the ZiG, which is tied to the country’s gold reserves. Given that its five previous currencies have collapsed, Andrew Mueller muses on this one’s potential to last.

Zimbabwe is introducing its new official currency, the ZiG, which is tied to the country’s gold reserves. Given that its five previous currencies have collapsed, Andrew Mueller muses on this one’s potential to last.

Explainer 412: Going for gold

Black-and-white photos of Emmanuel Macron pounding a boxing bag sparked bemusement in France and abroad. The French leader’s office did not comment on the images but many have linked the ‘Raging Bull’-style photoshoot to Macron’s drive to toughen up the region’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Why is Emmanuel Macron flexing his political muscle and how has his foreign-policy doctrine evolved? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sophie Pedder, Bruno Tertrais and General Sir Richard Shirreff.

Black-and-white photos of Emmanuel Macron pounding a boxing bag sparked bemusement in France and abroad. The French leader’s office did not comment on the images but many have linked the ‘Raging Bull’-style photoshoot to Macron’s drive to toughen up the region’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Why is Emmanuel Macron flexing his political muscle and how has his foreign-policy doctrine evolved? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sophie Pedder, Bruno Tertrais and General Sir Richard Shirreff.

Explainer 265: Letter by French soldiers warns of civil war

In 1 playlist(s)

The Foreign Desk

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips