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?

A ceasefire has been announced between Iran, the US and Israel, but are all parties in agreement on the terms? Who is the victor? And what did Operation Epic Fury actually achieve?

A ceasefire has been announced between Iran, the US and Israel, but are all parties in agreement on the terms? Who is the victor? And what did Operation Epic Fury actually achieve?

Operation Epic Fury: Is that it?

US vice-president JD Vance is in Hungary to bolster its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, ahead of elections this weekend. The VP accused the EU of “foreign election interference” – but why is he getting involved?

US vice-president JD Vance is in Hungary to bolster its prime minister, Viktor Orb&aacute;n, ahead of elections this weekend. The VP accused the EU of &ldquo;foreign election interference&rdquo; &ndash; but why is he getting involved?

Explainer 512: Why is JD Vance in Hungary? 

Iran’s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist?

Iran&rsquo;s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist?

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

In 1 playlist(s)

The Foreign Desk

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips