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.
54episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When politics kicks off at the World Cup: what separates the screamers from the own goals?
3d ago00:35:51Tap to summarizeThe World Cup has always been political, including previous editions hosted by juntas and dictatorships. This year, presidents thumbed the scale and small nations made us dream again. Who scored and who was caught offside?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Explainer 526: Why Japan has been spooked into launching an intelligence service
6d ago00:06:53Tap to summarizeJapan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Powering Purpose in London
6d ago00:26:03Tap to summarizeA special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at Midori House in London. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Gerhard Salge, Olga Rosca and Richard Nugee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →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?
Jun 2100:31:32Tap 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.
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