Given Trump’s recent, more combative approach to foreign policy, it was surprising to see the US extend the hand of friendship to West Africa’s military dictators this week. So what’s behind this new alliance?

Given Trump&rsquo;s recent, more combative approach to foreign policy, it was surprising to see the US extend the hand of friendship to West Africa&rsquo;s military dictators this week. So what&rsquo;s behind this new alliance?

​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 503: Why is the US making nice with West African juntas?

After a warm reception between Donald Trump and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. What stands to be gained for both sides?

After a warm reception between Donald Trump and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. What stands to be gained for both sides?

Explainer 532: Why is Syria back on Washington’s Christmas card list?

As the US retreats from Nato’s “all for one, one for all” clause, Europe is forging new defence ties. Can the West hold together without Washington? Estonia’s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, joins the debate.

As the US retreats from Nato&rsquo;s &ldquo;all for one, one for all&rdquo; clause, Europe is forging new defence ties. Can the West hold together without Washington? Estonia&rsquo;s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, joins the debate.

After America: Europe’s new security order 

With Moldova vulnerable to Russian pressure and EU membership still years away, could reunification with Romania offer a shortcut to greater security? Andrew Mueller explains.

With Moldova vulnerable to Russian pressure and EU membership still years away, could reunification with Romania offer a shortcut to greater security? Andrew Mueller explains.

Explainer 503: Why is the US making nice with West African juntas?

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