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The Foreign Desk

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

​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 weeklyEpisodes103Founded12 years ago
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NewsNews CommentaryPolitics

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Latest Episodes

What is gerrymandering and why is its recent revival bad for US democracy? Andrew Mueller explains.

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As Europe contends with the multiplying conflicts on its doorstep and the withdrawal of US protection, can the continent make itself into a modern superpower? Paolo Gentiloni, Mikhail Kasyanov and more weigh in.

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Who are the separatists campaigning for a vote of independence in Alberta, Canada? And how real is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains.

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This year’s Delphi Economic Forum was the stage for much contemplation over Europe’s relationship with the US. Does anyone, even his own supporters, understand President Trump? We hear from Peter Baker and others.

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Recent Guests

Ian Brzezinski
Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO Policy
Atlantic Council
Episode: Live from Delphi: Can the US and Europe find a way back?
Paul Dans
Director of Project 2025, former US Senate candidate in South Carolina
Project 2025
Episode: Live from Delphi: Can the US and Europe find a way back?
Peter Baker
Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times
The New York Times
Episode: Live from Delphi: Can the US and Europe find a way back?
Arantxa González Lea
Former Spain foreign minister (2020-2021); Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po
Sciences Po
Episode: Live from Delphi: Can the US and Europe find a way back?
Qubad Talabani
Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq
Kurdistan Regional Government
Episode: Live from Delphi: Europe breaks with the US over the war in Iran
Leslie Vindjamuri
President and CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Episode: Live from Delphi: Europe breaks with the US over the war in Iran
James M. Lindsay
Distinguished senior fellow in US foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations
Episode: Live from Delphi: Europe breaks with the US over the war in Iran
Alar Karis
President of Estonia
Estonian government
Episode: Live from Delphi: Europe breaks with the US over the war in Iran
Kristen Dumais
American historian, Professor of History at Calvin University, author of Jesus and John Wayne
Calvin University
Episode: From Maga to Orbán: The cracks emerging in the global right

Host

Andrew Mueller
Host of The Foreign Desk; Monocle's flagship global-affairs show; known for witty, incisive interview style and broad international coverage

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 863 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 Kingdom19 days ago
  • Excellent satire

    Andrew is natural.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    andrewb1001
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • What does Latina Burke say?

    Nothing sensible. She’s a fascist

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BradyDaSilveira
    Australia4 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 Kingdom9 months 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 Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

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

Varied guest slate keeps discussions fresh and credible.
High-caliber guests and rigorous analysis are a strength.
Balanced insights with witty host narration.
Reliable go-to for international affairs coverage.
Thoughtful, deep dives with heavyweight guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#155
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#191
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#112
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#234
Germany/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#39
Saudi Arabia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#47
Indonesia/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Operation Epic Fury: Is that it?
Q: Anshul, first of all, tell us a bit about the mood where you are in Israel. Is there a feeling that things are perhaps winding down?
Anshul Feffer describes a mood of relief followed by concern as new flare-ups emerge, noting that public sentiment includes questions about what the war was supposed to achieve and what comes next, especially regarding Lebanon and Iran.
From Maga to Orbán: The cracks emerging in the global right
Q: Simon, if we think back a few weeks ago to the beginning of hostilities with Iran, can we quantify how much bigger sundering has occurred among the MAGA faithful since then?
Simon Marks notes that support has eroded among prominent MAGA figures and the grassroots, with ongoing polling showing doubts growing as the conflict extends, signaling a weakening but still present support base.
Is social media a threat to national security?
Q: Christine Jardine, what grounds would justify prosecuting Elon Musk over his use of X, and what broader regulatory actions do you think are appropriate?
She argued that while there may be grounds based on incitement to violence, the focus should be on building regulation that holds platforms to account as publishers, enhances moderation, and protects democratic processes without eroding free speech.
The war in Iran: the global fallout
Q: Could Europe bargain with the United States for help in the Gulf if Washington helps with Ukraine?
Such a bargain is unlikely to be seen as workable by the U.S.; the guest suggests that Europe should not frame the issue strictly as a trade but rather seek a coordinated, strategic framework for regional security.
The war in Iran: the global fallout
Q: Do you think Europe should do more, or join in a more overt way to protect shipping and deter escalation?
There is a case for closer coordination and a credible, collective response, possibly through NATO or a unified EU stance, to avoid leaving allies exposed while also balancing domestic electorates and strategic interests.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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 high-level global affairs show that blends sharp political analysis with interviews from senior policymakers, journalists, and regional experts. Episodes frequently tackle geopolitical flashpoints, alliance dynamics, security strategy, and energy/policy implications, often featuring live reporting and in-depth conversations with high-profile guests. Noteworthy is the mix of heavyweight policy insight, on-the-ground reporting, and a distinctive, wry host voice that helps translate complex issues for a broad audience. The format includes longer deep-dives and shorter explainers, making it useful for listeners who want both contextual background and current-state analysis across international affairs.

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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 Monocle Daily
3. The Globalist
4. Monocle on Sunday
5. The Urbanist

How many episodes of The Foreign Desk are there?

The Foreign Desk launched 12 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. Ian Brzezinski
2. Paul Dans
3. Peter Baker
4. Arantxa González Lea
5. Qubad Talabani
6. Leslie Vindjamuri
7. James M. Lindsay
8. Alar Karis

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