The Foreign Desk

Monocle

<p>​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. </p>

  • 33 minutes 29 seconds
    Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?

    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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    28 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 6 minutes 59 seconds
    Explainer 510: From Angola with love: are there Russian spies in southern Africa? 

    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.

     

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    25 March 2026, 6:40 pm
  • 35 minutes 1 second
    The war in Iran: the global fallout

    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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    21 March 2026, 11:00 am
  • 7 minutes 6 seconds
    Explainer 509: Is Cuba next on Trump’s hit list?

    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.

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    18 March 2026, 7:50 pm
  • 43 minutes 51 seconds
    Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?

    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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    14 March 2026, 12:03 pm
  • 6 minutes 39 seconds
    Explainer 508: How did rapper Balen become prime minister of Nepal? 

    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.

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    11 March 2026, 6:53 pm
  • 30 minutes 18 seconds
    The Foreign Desk Exclusive: Canada prime minister Mark Carney on the new world order

    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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    11 March 2026, 6:52 pm
  • 46 minutes 21 seconds
    Live special: War in Iran

    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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    7 March 2026, 1:15 pm
  • 6 minutes 59 seconds
    Explainer 507: Pakistan-Afghanistan: What’s fuelling this week’s overlooked conflict?

    While the world’s eyes are on Iran, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have flared into open conflict. What is driving the latest escalation? Andrew Mueller explains.

     

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    4 March 2026, 7:15 pm
  • 34 minutes 49 seconds
    Munich Security Conference special: Is Europe awake yet?

    US senator Lisa Murkowski, Kosovo’s prime minister Albin Kurti and French minister delegate for European affairs Benjamin Haddad discuss whether Europe is ready to become a global leader as the transatlantic relationship frays.

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    28 February 2026, 11:46 am
  • 7 minutes 32 seconds
    Explainer 506: How did Mexico’s drug cartels bring the country to a standstill?

    How did the killing of “El Mencho”, head of CJNG drug cartel, lead to tourists being trapped in Puerto Vallarta? Plus: How does this fit in with President Sheinbaum’s domestic policy and her relationship with Donald Trump?

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    25 February 2026, 8:00 pm
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