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The Foreign Desk

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Rating
★★★★★
4.5
from
105 reviews
This podcast has
103 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Monocle
Explicit
No
Date created
2013/12/19
Latest episode
2026/09/30
Average duration
22 min.
Release period
4 days

Description

​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. 

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Check latest episodes from The Foreign Desk podcast


Explainer 537: Javier Milei and the Falklands – here we go again
2026/09/30
Javier Milei is rattling Argentina’s old Falklands sabre again. But is this latest legal threat over offshore oil a serious strategy, domestic theatre or merely another chapter in history’s strangest recurring argument? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rebuilding Lebanon: Where do you even start?
2026/09/26
From Israel’s strikes in the south and attempting to disarm Hezbollah, to reinstating services and infrastructure, Lebanon’s government is in a pivotal moment. We hear from three ministers on both the headwinds and hope.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 536: What leverage would the Houthis’s seizing of Bab al-Mandab give Iran?
2026/09/23
The Iran-backed Houthis have launched their largest offensive in years, seizing key ports and islands along the Bab al-Mandab strait. What sway will this give Iran over the global economy and ending the war? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live from the Arab Media Summit: The UAE’s new role in war and peace
2026/09/19
The United Arab Emirates’ pitch has always been: you are safe here. This year, that changed. We go to Dubai to examine how the UAE prepared for conflict and its plans for peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 535: Could Andy Burnham be the UK’s last prime minister?
2026/09/16
This week the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a joint memorandum declaring that Westminster’s time is “coming to an end”. But is there a clear path to independence? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The firewall falls: what does the AfD’s breakthrough mean for Europe?
2026/09/12
The AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt tweaked a nerve in Germany and across Europe. We examine how it won, its leaders’ plans and the media’s role in the rise of the far right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is Jamaica asking the United Kingdom for $10bn (€8.6bn)?
2026/09/09
Explainer 534: Jamaica’s government is seeking legal guidance from King Charles on receiving reparations. What issues lie at the heart of this request? And how is London likely to respond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Powering purpose in Stavanger
2026/09/07
A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, Norway. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Arancha González Laya, Tinne Van der Straeten, Stephen Bull and Steffen Syvertsen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The geopolitics of going nuclear, again
2026/09/05
Despite its troubled history, nuclear energy is back on the agenda across the globe. Could it be our saviour? And what are the strategic risks for nations that aren’t keeping up with the energy renaissance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 533: Disgraced war criminal or Serbian hero? The diplomatic conundrum of Ratko Mladić’s death
2026/09/02
Colonel-General Ratko Mladić died last week in prison in the Netherlands. Serbia has a complicated relationship with the disgraced war criminal, with many calling for a state funeral. What will his legacy be?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran: Is the US out of options?
2026/08/29
Six months into the US’s war with Iran, is any kind of military victory possible? Or is the Strait of Hormuz the US’s Suez? Rear admiral Mark Montgomery, Bloomberg’s Dina Esfandiary and historian Stephen Wertheim discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 532: Why is Syria back on Washington’s Christmas card list?
2026/08/26
After a warm reception between Donald Trump and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. What stands to be gained for both sides? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After America: Europe’s new security order
2026/08/22
As the US retreats from Nato’s “all for one, one for all” clause, Europe is forging new defence ties. Can the West hold together without Washington? Estonia’s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, joins the debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 531: Could Moldova reunite with Romania?
2026/08/19
With Moldova vulnerable to Russian pressure and EU membership still years away, could reunification with Romania offer a shortcut to greater security? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Democrats’ warring factions: Each have won battles but who will win the war?
2026/08/15
The Democrats’ centrist and progressive wings have each claimed victories in the primary cycle. Is the Democratic Party on the verge of re-assembling its circular firing squad? And who will win in November? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast reviews

Read The Foreign Desk podcast reviews


4.5 out of 5
105 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
Dean Mack 2024/04/17
Unserious Propoganda
A mouthpiece for Israel, complete waste of time. Silly overview of a 100% successful attack by Iran against Israel, this propagandistic spin helps no ...
★★★★★
advanced yet basic errors 2024/02/22
Absolutely excellent
I find this show quite delightful. Andrew manages to humorously weave narratives while also seriously interviewing heads of state and other important ...
★★★★★
lizzie2476 2022/12/19
Discover something new or review what you know behind the scenes
My favorites female journalist Clarissa Ward recommended this podcast and I definitely give it 5/5 stars! Andrew Mueller’s voice just lends itself per...
★☆☆☆☆
nubs. 2022/01/03
What was once ‘the source’ has become typical liberal-bias
This is so sad because Andrew Mueller has been a true hero of mine, both as a journalist and commentator, for many years. But enough is enough with th...
★★★★★
Alexy Dub 2021/08/28
Asking the Right Questions
Asks why people and states do what they do from their perspective instead of our own. Seems so simple but so rare in journalism today, but is the key...
★★★★★
sciencepyar 2021/08/11
I love Monocle
I’ve been listening to podcasts for the past 5 years, I unfortunately only discovered Monocle 1 year ago. Foreign desk is awesome
★★★★☆
sjsodmeoa 2019/12/07
New sponsorship
Genuine question: how do you plan to maintain your integrity independence and credibility, while receiving sponsorship from Japanese government?
★☆☆☆☆
Generic Nickname #24601 2018/10/11
Left-Wing Sneering and Snark
Don’t expect insight: The Monocle Mutual Appreciation Society consists entirely of avowed zealots of intersectional identity politics, economic redist...
★★★★★
DaniloED 2017/02/15
More of this, please!
Informative, concise, and topical. Highly recommended!
★★★★★
CatNT 2016/09/18
Thought-provoking
This podcast engages in discussion on highly relevant but often skipped over issues with a panel of experts. Incredibly refreshing to get access to ed...
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