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The Foreign Desk

Monocle
Donald Trump
United States
Ukraine
Russia
Iran
NATO
Israel
China
Syria
European Union
Bashar Al-Assad
Turkey
Middle East
Immigration
Australia
Greenland
Hezbollah
Lebanon
Taiwan
Trump Administration

​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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes103Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Latest Episodes

With a major war raging on the European continent, there are a few countries that would prefer to be excused. We head to Switzerland, Austria and Ireland to examine what neutrality means today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?

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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... more

YouTube

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 i... more

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Recent Guests

Haneen Sayed
Lebanon's social affairs minister
Lebanon Ministry of Social Affairs
Episode: Rebuilding Lebanon: Where do you even start?
Elias Abou-Saab
Lebanon's Deputy Speaker of Parliament
Lebanon Parliament
Episode: Rebuilding Lebanon: Where do you even start?
Paul Marcos
Lebanon's Minister of Information
Lebanon Ministry of Information
Episode: Rebuilding Lebanon: Where do you even start?
Mina Al-Arabi
Editor-in-chief of The National
The National (UAE)
Episode: Live from the Arab Media Summit: The UAE’s new role in war and peace
Sheikh Fahim al-Kasimi
Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah
Department of Government Relations, Sharjah
Episode: Live from the Arab Media Summit: The UAE’s new role in war and peace
Noura Al-Khabi
Minister of State at the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Episode: Live from the Arab Media Summit: The UAE’s new role in war and peace
Susanne Reichenbach
Journalist and presenter for Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR)
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk
Episode: The firewall falls: what does the AfD’s breakthrough mean for Europe?
Laura Fleischmann
Journalist at Euronews who reported from Saxony-Anhalt during the election
Euronews
Episode: The firewall falls: what does the AfD’s breakthrough mean for Europe?
Phil Tinline
Journalist, documentary maker and author of The Death of Consensus
Independent journalist/Author
Episode: The firewall falls: what does the AfD’s breakthrough mean for Europe?

Host

Andrew Mueller
Host of The Foreign Desk; longtime journalist known for in-depth geopolitical analysis and interview-led storytelling.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 873 ratings
  • Weekly dose of reality

    Excellent listen, every week, pretty much without fail. Feels like an oasis of calm, reasoned analysis in a very uncertain world...

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    big paddy la
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • Excellent satire

    Andrew is natural.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    andrewb1001
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • What does Latina Burke say?

    Nothing sensible. She’s a fascist

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BradyDaSilveira
    Australia9 months ago
  • Intersting but not exactly unbiased

    A very interesting approach and informative .But some of the language used didn’t seem unbiased .Is this meant to be his Personal opinion with no attempt at a non biased journalistic Approach?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    veganman1961
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • It’s my go-to

    Very much enjoy the foreign desk, it’s my go to for long journeys in the car, of which there are many. Top level guests, a refreshing and enlightened slant with just the perfect dash of charisma. Love it. Thanks guys keep it up x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RJHumphries
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critics warn of perceived bias incoverage and sponsor-related concerns, though many find it insightful and well-sourced.
Listeners praise the show for its rigorous, nuanced take on global affairs and high-quality guests.
The host's wit and clear delivery help unpack complex topics without losing depth.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#157
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#159
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#153
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#208
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#68
United Arab Emirates/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#73
Indonesia/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The firewall falls: what does the AfD’s breakthrough mean for Europe?
Q: What does the firewall mean for the AfD's future in German politics?
Experts suggest the firewall is increasingly difficult to maintain; while some parties still prefer not to form coalitions with the AfD, pragmatic governing coalitions may still bring the AfD into power in some regions, undermining the boundary they are supposed to uphold.
Live from the Arab Media Summit: The UAE’s new role in war and peace
Q: From your perspective, how has the UAE recalibrated its foreign policy in light of recent events, and what does that mean for regional stability?
Noura al-Khabi discusses ongoing dialogue, de-escalation, and deepening partnerships globally, emphasizing a non-zero-sum approach and long-term collaboration across defense, technology, and culture.
Live from the Arab Media Summit: The UAE’s new role in war and peace
Q: Mina, welcome back to The Foreign Desk. Let's talk a bit first about this event. How important is it this event that is for the Arab media ecosystem generally?
Mina Al-Arabi explains that The National, though an English-language paper, sits at a crossroads for regional and global outlets, serving as a hub for information and conversations, with high-level discussions including ambassadors and senior leaders.
Iran: Is the US out of options?
Q: No. Part of my job is I spend a couple of months a year training Ukrainian army units, and so I'm reasonably close to the front lines there routinely. Do any of those strike you as even vaguely plausible?
Given current capabilities, seizing and holding territory like Karg Island or extracting a land-based occupation would be highly risky due to one-way attack drones and limited counter-drone capabilities; a full land seizure is unlikely and not advisable.
Iran: Is the US out of options?
Q: Dina, first of all, we are six months or so into this endeavor that the United States launched with Israel back in February. At this point, will Iran basically be thinking, we've won?
Iran is unlikely to feel they've won outright, but they have achieved serious strategic gains, particularly gaining some control or influence over the Strait of Hormuz, and they've weathered the initial assault while imposing costs on the US and its Gulf partners.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Foreign Desk

What is The Foreign Desk about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, globally focused current affairs program featuring high-level discussions with policy makers, analysts, and journalists. Episodes commonly unpack strategic geopolitics, international security, diplomacy, and regional economics, often blending historical context with present-day decision making. A standout trait is the host's dry wit and the breadth of guests, which together deliver nuanced analysis without sacrificing accessibility. The show frequently weighs military, economic, and political dimensions, offering listeners insight into how global events unfold and what they mean for business, policy, and public discourse.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Foreign Desk?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Foreign Desk:

1. The Briefing
2. The Globalist
3. The Monocle Daily
4. Monocle on Sunday
5. The Urbanist

How many episodes of The Foreign Desk are there?

The Foreign Desk launched 13 years ago and published 103 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Foreign Desk?

Recent guests on The Foreign Desk include:

1. Haneen Sayed
2. Elias Abou-Saab
3. Paul Marcos
4. Mina Al-Arabi
5. Sheikh Fahim al-Kasimi
6. Noura Al-Khabi
7. Susanne Reichenbach
8. Laura Fleischmann

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