Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why. 

Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan&rsquo;s government. Andrew Mueller explains why.&nbsp;

​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 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.

2025 in review

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. 

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.&nbsp;

Explainer 498: Belarus’s balloon offensive

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?

Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi&rsquo;s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation&rsquo;s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved?

Explainer 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?

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