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>

  • 7 minutes
    Explainer 514: Why is Teddy Afro’s music roiling Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed?

    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?

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    22 April 2026, 9:00 pm
  • 30 minutes 24 seconds
    From Maga to Orbán: The cracks emerging in the global right

    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?

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    18 April 2026, 10:55 am
  • 7 minutes 29 seconds
    Explainer 513: Why does Viktor Orbán’s defeat matter? 

    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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    15 April 2026, 4:38 pm
  • 29 minutes 22 seconds
    Operation Epic Fury: Is that it?

    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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    11 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 7 minutes 32 seconds
    Explainer 512: Why is JD Vance in Hungary? 

    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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    8 April 2026, 5:20 pm
  • 28 minutes
    As the war in Iran enters its second month, is victory for anyone still possible?

    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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    4 April 2026, 11:00 am
  • 7 minutes 12 seconds
    Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home? 

    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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    1 April 2026, 5:15 pm
  • 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
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