
Advertise on podcast: The Foreign Desk
Rating
4.5from
This podcast has
103 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
MonocleExplicit
No
Date created
2013/12/19
Latest episode
2026/04/22
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 514: Why is Teddy Afro’s music roiling Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed?
2026/04/22
Ethiopian superstar Teddy Afro has taken aim at the country’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, in new song “Das Tal”. What’s being protested and should Ahmed be concerned ahead of general elections?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Maga to Orbán: The cracks emerging in the global right
2026/04/18
In recent years, the rise of the right has seemed unstoppable. But are rifts among US Republicans over Iran and the fall of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán a sign that the tide is turning?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 513: Why does Viktor Orbán’s defeat matter?
2026/04/15
Despite a relatively small population and limited economic power, Hungary’s general election result, turning out far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán in favour of conservative Péter Magyar, has outsized international significance. But why?
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Operation Epic Fury: Is that it?
2026/04/11
A ceasefire has been announced between Iran, the US and Israel, but are all parties in agreement on the terms? Who is the victor? And what did Operation Epic Fury actually achieve?
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Explainer 512: Why is JD Vance in Hungary?
2026/04/08
US vice-president JD Vance is in Hungary to bolster its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, ahead of elections this weekend. The VP accused the EU of “foreign election interference” – but why is he getting involved?
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As the war in Iran enters its second month, is victory for anyone still possible?
2026/04/04
Iran’s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist?
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Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home?
2026/04/01
At a joint press conference this week, chancellor Friedrich Merz and president Ahmed al-Sharaa encouraged Syrians to return home. But who benefits from the plan?
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Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?
2026/03/28
Israel has invaded Lebanon, again. With more than 1,000 people killed and 1.2 million displaced, many fear a return to civil war. What does Israel want from this? Does Lebanon have any options?
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Explainer 510: From Angola with love: are there Russian spies in southern Africa?
2026/03/25
This week two Russians are on trial in Angola, accused of espionage. Has the southern African nation been infiltrated by foreign spies or are they scapegoats for a failing government? Andrew Mueller explains.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war in Iran: the global fallout
2026/03/21
The consequences of the US-Israel war in Iran are rippling around the world. Can Volodymyr Zelensky retain focus on the war in Ukraine? Will an already fragile Nato splinter? Is this the end of rules-based order?
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Explainer 509: Is Cuba next on Trump’s hit list?
2026/03/18
Despite the ongoing military strikes in Iran, Donald Trump has been sizing up his next potential conquest: Cuba. But could, would and should he actually strike the country? Andrew Mueller explains.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
2026/03/14
The US and Israel have a shared target in Iran but do they have the same goals? We discuss with guests including John Bolton and Nate Swanson.
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Explainer 508: How did rapper Balen become prime minister of Nepal?
2026/03/11
Rapper turned politician Balendrah Shah was elected Nepal’s prime minister this week. Andrew Mueller traces his political ascent, fuelled by last year’s Gen-Z protests.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Foreign Desk Exclusive: Canada prime minister Mark Carney on the new world order
2026/03/11
Canada’s Mark Carney sits down with Monocle’s editorial director and chairman, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss how middle powers can shape the future, the importance of a national brand and finding opportunities in global disorder.
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Live special: War in Iran
2026/03/07
We head to Dubai, New York and Jerusalem for the latest developments as the war in Iran grips the Gulf. How are civilians faring? How is the US explaining this war? Is an off-ramp possible?
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Podcast reviews
Read The Foreign Desk podcast reviews
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 ...
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 ...
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...
Sarita7981 2021/10/09
Weekly explainer is hilarious ..
..And Informative too. Keep it up. Some of the other items are a bit dry but I tune in just to listen to the Explainer. I like the sound effects too T...
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
DaniloED 2017/02/15
More of this, please!
Informative, concise, and topical. Highly recommended!
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...
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