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The Foreign Desk

Monocle
Power Dressing
Sudan
Ukraine
Zelensky
Nelson Mandela
Michelle Obama
Tuvalu
Italy
Women's Wear Daily
Australia
Israel
Hamas
Russia
China
Climate Change
Middle East
G20
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission In Mali
Bangladesh
Matteo Salvini

​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

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?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ... more

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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?

See omnystudio.com/listener for priv... more

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Recent Guests

John Bolton
Former US ambassador to the United Nations; former National Security Advisor
U.S. Government
Episode: Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
Nate Swanson
Resident senior fellow and director of the Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council
Atlantic Council
Episode: Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
Yegane Torbati
Iran correspondent for The New York Times
The New York Times
Episode: Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
Esther Solomon
Editor-in-chief of Haaretz English
Haaretz English
Episode: Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada (in the episode's premise)
Government of Canada
Episode: The Foreign Desk Exclusive: Canada prime minister Mark Carney on the new world order
Inzimam Rashid
Monocle Gulf correspondent
Monocle
Episode: Live special: War in Iran
Ian Bremmer
President of Eurasia Group
Eurasia Group
Episode: Live special: War in Iran
Dina Esfandiari
Middle East Geoeconomics Lead, Bloomberg Economics
Bloomberg Economics
Episode: Live special: War in Iran
Anshel Pfeffer
Israel Correspondent, The Economist
The Economist
Episode: Live special: War in Iran

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 859 ratings
  • Excellent satire

    Andrew is natural.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    andrewb1001
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • What does Latina Burke say?

    Nothing sensible. She’s a fascist

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BradyDaSilveira
    Australia3 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 Kingdom8 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
  • Always brilliant

    A wonderful mix of clever wit, dry humour and incisive insight. Thank you Robert.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jim in Zug
    Switzerlanda 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
#143
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#153
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#168
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#201
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#222
France/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#55
Brazil/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Foreign Desk Exclusive: Canada prime minister Mark Carney on the new world order
Q: How does Canada balance sovereignty with alliance commitments?
By not pursuing a one-size-fits-all bloc; instead, it embraces 'variable geometry'—prioritizing shared ground with some partners while pursuing broader collaboration on critical issues like minerals, defense, and digital infrastructure, to maintain independence within a network of trusted allies.
The Foreign Desk Exclusive: Canada prime minister Mark Carney on the new world order
Q: What does Canada need to do to show up more effectively on the world stage?
Invest in deepening partnerships across the Atlantic and Pacific, maintain a practical approach to defense and security, and use targeted, value-driven coalitions to advance shared interests with allies like Australia, Japan, and India while expanding trade blocs such as CPTPP and EU partnerships.
Powering Purpose in Munich
Q: How do you facilitate serendipity?
Create an innovative environment that encourages self-confidence and interaction among people.
Munich Security Conference special: Will the transatlantic alliance survive?
Q: Do you perceive any mistrust among Europeans and Ukrainians regarding US security guarantees?
Yes, Europeans are concerned whether the US will uphold its commitments in the wake of unpredictable US policies.
Munich Security Conference special: Will the transatlantic alliance survive?
Q: Do you expect Ukraine to dominate this conference?
Yes, Ukraine should dominate, because it shows the interconnectedness of these geopolitical issues.

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. John Bolton
2. Nate Swanson
3. Yegane Torbati
4. Esther Solomon
5. Mark Carney
6. Inzimam Rashid
7. Ian Bremmer
8. Dina Esfandiari

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