Explainer 517: How the revival of gerrymandering is hurting democracy
What is gerrymandering and why is its recent revival bad for US democracy? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 13, 2026•7 min
The Foreign Desk
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.
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Episodes
Live from Delphi: Can Europe remake itself into a superpower?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 09, 2026•39 min
Explainer 516: Are Albertans about to leave Canada?
Who are the separatists campaigning for a vote of independence in Alberta, Canada? And how real is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 06, 2026•8 min
Live from Delphi: Can the US and Europe find a way back?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 02, 2026•40 min
Explainer 515: Has King Charles saved the special relationship?
Given Donald Trump’s fondness for royalty, who better than King Charles III to smooth US-UK tensions? Andrew Mueller considers whether the current state visit has delivered a diplomatic win for palace soft power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 29, 2026•7 min
Live from Delphi: Europe breaks with the US over the war in Iran
Live from the Delphi Economic Forum: The war in Iran’s impact as seen from Iraqi Kurdistan, the US and Estonia. Is there a strategy to resolve the conflict? Then: has the war turned cracks in the Transatlantic relationship into serious fault lines? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 25, 2026•39 min
Explainer 514: Why is Teddy Afro’s music roiling Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed?
Ethiopian superstar Teddy Afro has taken aim at the country’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, in new song “Das Tal”. What’s being protested and should Ahmed be concerned ahead of general elections? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 22, 2026•7 min
From Maga to Orbán: The cracks emerging in the global right
In recent years, the rise of the right has seemed unstoppable. But are rifts among US Republicans over Iran and the fall of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán a sign that the tide is turning? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 18, 2026•30 min
Explainer 513: Why does Viktor Orbán’s defeat matter?
Despite a relatively small population and limited economic power, Hungary’s general election result, turning out far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán in favour of conservative Péter Magyar, has outsized international significance. But why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 15, 2026•7 min
Operation Epic Fury: Is that it?
A ceasefire has been announced between Iran, the US and Israel, but are all parties in agreement on the terms? Who is the victor? And what did Operation Epic Fury actually achieve? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 11, 2026•29 min
Explainer 512: Why is JD Vance in Hungary?
US vice-president JD Vance is in Hungary to bolster its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, ahead of elections this weekend. The VP accused the EU of “foreign election interference” – but why is he getting involved? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 08, 2026•8 min
As the war in Iran enters its second month, is victory for anyone still possible?
Iran’s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 04, 2026•28 min
Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home?
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.
Apr 01, 2026•7 min
Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?
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.
Mar 28, 2026•33 min
Explainer 510: From Angola with love: are there Russian spies in southern Africa?
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 information.
Mar 25, 2026•7 min
The war in Iran: the global fallout
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 privacy information.
Mar 21, 2026•35 min
Explainer 509: Is Cuba next on Trump’s hit list?
Despite the ongoing military strikes in Iran, Donald Trump has been sizing up his next potential conquest: Cuba. But could, would and should he actually strike the country? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 18, 2026•7 min
Iran: Are the US and Israel fighting the same war?
The US and Israel have a shared target in Iran but do they have the same goals? We discuss with guests including John Bolton and Nate Swanson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 14, 2026•44 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 11, 2026•7 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 11, 2026•30 min
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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 07, 2026•46 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 04, 2026•7 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 28, 2026•35 min
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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 25, 2026•8 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 21, 2026•45 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 20, 2026•26 min
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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 18, 2026•7 min
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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 14, 2026•34 min
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 11, 2026•7 min
Could this be the end of Iran’s regime?
From the 1979 hostage crisis to strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, US-Iran tensions have simmered for decades. But are Trump’s latest threats against the ayatollahs serious? Or will imminent talks in Muscat cool the discord? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 07, 2026•33 min
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