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>

  • 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
  • 44 minutes 36 seconds
    Munich Security Conference special: Will the transatlantic alliance survive? 

    After a bruising year following JD Vance’s speech at the last Munich Security Conference, we discuss the state of relations between Europe and the US.

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    21 February 2026, 12:14 pm
  • 25 minutes 32 seconds
    Powering Purpose in Munich

    A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded before the Munich Security Conference. Andrew Mueller and Carlota Rebelo discuss the energy transition with Hitachi Energy’s Maxine Ghavi; Markus Blume, Bavarian state minister for science and art; Prof Wolfgang Herrmann; and Bianca Rech, the director of FC Bayern Women.

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    20 February 2026, 12:25 pm
  • 7 minutes 13 seconds
    Explainer 505: Are the Winter Olympics apolitical?

    Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was not allowed to compete in a helmet decorated with pictures of athletes killed in the war with Russia. But is it really true that the Olympics are apolitical? 

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    18 February 2026, 4:07 pm
  • 34 minutes 8 seconds
    Is it worth prosecuting the powerful?

    As the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte awaits trial in The Hague, we consider the difficulties around prosecuting individual leaders. Does it work as a deterrent for governments? And what is it like to defend one?

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    14 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 7 minutes 23 seconds
    Explainer 504: The jailing of Jimmy Lai: China’s stand against Hong Kong media and the UK’s middling response 

    Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite having a British passport, the UK’s response has been limited. Andrew Mueller explains China’s latest blow to free press. 

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    11 February 2026, 7:30 pm
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