Podcast
The Foreign Desk
Hosted by Monocle · EN
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.
51episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The scramble for critical minerals
1w ago00:34:10Tap to summarizeAs the global competition for minerals intensifies, we consider the geopolitics at play. How did China emerge as a dominant force? And will the DRC ever benefit from its own resources?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Explainer 525: You can’t keep a Le Pen down
2w ago00:07:39Tap to summarizeFar-right French firebrand Marine Le Pen’s sentence for embezzlement was reduced this week, allowing her to stand in next year’s presidential election. But will the conviction hinder or help her campaign? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Does the US still have a free press?
2w ago00:37:52Tap to summarizeAs the US marks 250 years, is one of the pillars of its democracy, a free press, under threat? Guests including White House correspondent Maggie Haberman discuss the current administration’s relationship with the media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Explainer 524: Why is Marco Rubio trying to unify Libya?
3w ago00:06:45Tap to summarizeThis week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what’s in it for the US secretary of state? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
3w ago00:40:29Tap to summarizeMonocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equality Nina Larsson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Explainer 523: Flight of the White Eagle
4w ago00:06:38Tap to summarizePoland has been one of Ukraine’s biggest allies since the full-scale invasion by Russia. But will that continue after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial tribute?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →‘El juego bonito’: Can the beautiful game help Mexico win off the pitch?
4w ago00:31:32Tap to summarizeMexico has made a promising start on the pitch but what other victories is the nation eyeing up? Andrew Mueller is joined by former ambassador to the US Arturo Sarukhán, among others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Explainer 522: The World Cup seat France won’t fill
Jun 1700:08:04Tap to summarizeWhile Fifa faces reports of unsold tickets, one seat at France’s World Cup matches is being deliberately left empty. But why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Live from Odesa: Ukraine’s journey from needing help to providing it
Jun 1300:37:17Tap to summarizeLive from the Black Sea Security Forum, we hear from Ukrainian MPs on the country’s future and the state of warfare. As Ukraine fights on, it has shifted from needing aid to providing new intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Explainer 521: Trump Island
Jun 1100:07:00Tap to summarizeIvanka Trump has revealed extensive plans to redevelop Albanian island Sazan into a luxury resort. But after thousands gathered in protest, will it go ahead?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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