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The Foreign Desk

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

​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
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News CommentaryNewsPolitics

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Latest Episodes

As the global competition for minerals intensifies, we consider the geopolitics at play. How did China emerge as a dominant force? And will the DRC ever benefit from its own resources?

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Far-right French firebrand Marine Le Pen’s sentence for embezzlement was reduced this week, allowing her to stand in next year’s presidential election. But will the conviction hinder or help her campaign? Andrew Mueller explains.

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As the US marks 250 years, is one of the pillars of its democracy, a free press, under threat? Guests including White House correspondent Maggie Haberman discuss the current administration’s relationship with the media.

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This week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what’s in it for the US secretary of state?

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Recent Guests

Nina Larsson
Minister for Gender Equality
Liberal Party
Episode: Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Major Yuri Chishmar
Ukrainian Army officer, 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade
Ukrainian Army
Episode: Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Mikael Danberg
Economic policy spokesperson for Sweden's Social Democratic Party and former finance minister
Social Democratic Party (Sweden)
Episode: Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Gunnar Hockmark
Former MEP and MP for The Moderate Party; former party secretary
Moderate Party
Episode: Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Valeria León
Emmy Award-winning CNN correspondent based in Mexico City
CNN
Episode: ‘El juego bonito’: Can the beautiful game help Mexico win off the pitch?
Arturo Sarukhán
Former ambassador of Mexico to the United States (2007-2013)
Former Mexican Ambassador to the United States
Episode: ‘El juego bonito’: Can the beautiful game help Mexico win off the pitch?
Leon Krautzer
Contributing columnist for The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Episode: ‘El juego bonito’: Can the beautiful game help Mexico win off the pitch?
Hannah Schallest
Director of Security Programs at the Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism; Editor-in-Chief at Ukraine Analytica
Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism; Ukraine Analytica
Episode: Live from Odesa: Ukraine’s journey from needing help to providing it
Alexei Goncharenko
Ukrainian MP, organizer of Odessa forum
Ukrainian Parliament (Servant of the People, then independent)
Episode: Live from Odesa: Ukraine’s journey from needing help to providing it

Host

Andrew Mueller
Host of The Foreign Desk, with Monocle. Known for dry humor and in-depth international coverage.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 870 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 Kingdom3 months ago
  • Excellent satire

    Andrew is natural.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    andrewb1001
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • What does Latina Burke say?

    Nothing sensible. She’s a fascist

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BradyDaSilveira
    Australia6 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 Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

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

Very informative with excellent range of international topics and guests.
The host weaves analysis with interview rigor; a standout in global affairs.
Some listeners feel the coverage shows a bias, but the depth is strong and informative.
Insightful, witty, and well sourced with high-profile guests.
A reliable go-to for deep dives on geopolitics and policy.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#87
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#101
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#216
Canada/News
Apple Podcasts
#239
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#127
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#140
Italy/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics
Q: Can you paint a picture of how the economy is looking?
The economy is strong on a foundation of competitive industry and innovation, but Sweden has underperformed relative to Europe, with higher costs of living and concerns about unemployment, suggesting a need for long-term growth policies and targeted reforms.
Live from Odesa: Ukraine’s journey from needing help to providing it
Q: What is the role of Ukraine in future peace negotiations and how should it be positioned?
Ukraine must be an active participant with a seat at the table, ensuring its interests and territorial considerations are on the agenda, while leveraging international support to push for a favourable, sustainable settlement that respects Ukraine's sovereignty.
Lessons from Odesa: the changing landscape of war
Q: What are the practical implications of Western support or lack thereof for Ukraine on the ground?
The guest described reliance on Patriot-like systems and emphasized the need for sustained, tangible military and political backing to deter aggression and support front-line resilience.
Lessons from Odesa: the changing landscape of war
Q: I began by asking Senator Gallego why it had been important for him to make the trip to Odessa.
He emphasized the symbolic nature of Ukraine's sovereignty for global freedom and argued that backing Ukraine reflects a commitment to democratic values and the rule of international norms.
Upping the ante: How prediction markets are shaking geopolitics
Q: What are the main risks or concerns about insider trading or manipulation?
Risks include insiders trading on non-public information and the potential for manipulative bets; however, in many platforms there are safeguards like position limits and identity verification to mitigate abuse.

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?

Global affairs discussion with a lean toward deep-dive geopolitics, policy, and international security. Regularly features on-the-ground reporting, high-level policymakers, and seasoned analysts to unpack wars, alliances, and strategic shifts, with a mix of explainer-style segments and longer interviews. Notable strengths include a dry, witty host voice and a track record of high-profile guests, spanning U.S. and European policymakers, regional leaders, and experts on drones, election dynamics, and transatlantic diplomacy. This show often centers on how regional conflicts, great-power competition, and middle-power diplomacy reshape global security and economic policy, making it a strong fit for listeners who want rigorous context and varied... more

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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. Nina Larsson
2. Major Yuri Chishmar
3. Mikael Danberg
4. Gunnar Hockmark
5. Valeria León
6. Arturo Sarukhán
7. Leon Krautzer
8. Hannah Schallest

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