In our final episode before US voters decide whether or not to renew Donald Trump’s lease on the White House, we look at whether a more reasonable – or at least less obviously deranged – politics is still possible. We’re joined by the satirist PJ O’Rourke, whose new book, ‘A Cry from the Far Middle’, wonders how America got so divided – and if it ever wasn’t.

​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

PJ O’Rourke and the search for the centre ground

Andrew Mueller explains why Iran delivered a missile strike against Israel and the potential ramifications. 

Andrew Mueller explains why Iran delivered a missile strike against Israel and the potential ramifications.

Explainer 413: Iran and Israel

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.

PJ O’Rourke and the search for the centre ground

In 1 playlist(s)

The Foreign Desk

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips