In this special episode, recorded partially in Washington during the Nato Summit, we take a look at the United States’ willingness and ability to assume its traditional role as leader of the free world in this pivotal era of global democracy. How much should America’s allies be worried? And if the US won’t be democracy’s arsenal any more, who will be?

In this special episode, recorded partially in Washington during the Nato Summit, we take a look at the United States’ willingness and ability to assume its traditional role as leader of the free world in this pivotal era of global democracy. How much should America’s allies be worried? And if the US won’t be democracy’s arsenal any more, who will be?

​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

Is America the north star it used to be?

As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos – or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?

As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos &ndash; or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?

Trump: One down, three to go... (in theory)

Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?

Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?

Explainer 500: Why are Malaysia and Indonesia alone in taking on Grok?

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.

Is America the north star it used to be?

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