The Foreign Desk

An offhand remark about Mao Zedong has landed Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé in hot water with Beijing. Why has China taken offence so readily and what does it gain from doing so? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defeating an authoritarian strongman at the ballot box is no small feat. So how did Serbian students do it? Did Brazil’s fandoms swing an election? And how was the seemingly immovable Viktor Orbán toppled? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Algeria’s army is venturing beyond its border for the first time in more than 50 years to address conflicts in neighbouring Niger. Why does Niger need the help? And what does Algeria’s revitalised army mean for Africa? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israeli general election is poised to be one of the most consequential in the country's history. Can Netanyahu cobble together another government? What can those in Palestine, Lebanon and beyond expect if he does? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 27 years, the Ottawa Treaty bound international law, banning 165 countries from using anti-personnel mines. Today Russia’s neighbours are abandoning the deal. If the treaty unravels, what is the future of conflict? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As protests bring New Delhi to a standstill, Andrew Mueller hears from Shashi Tharoor, Meenakshi Lekhi and Rahul Bedi about the demonstrations, political discontent and the challenges facing Narendra Modi’s government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded at D’Monde New Delhi in association with Hitachi Energy, CEO Andreas Schierenbeck, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe and Nobel laureate Didier Queloz discuss overcoming resistance and finding fresh perspectives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We report live from New Delhi, where the Cockroach Janta Party is marching in protest against the government. Is the Indian capital under siege? And is this the beginning of the end for the prime minister, Narendra Modi? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Brazilians head back to the polls, can Lula win them back? Where did all these Bolsonaros come from? And: the regional implications if Brazil heads to the right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebel groups across Ethiopia are mobilising again. Is this renewed uprising simply unfinished business at home or are regional powers quietly helping to turn up the heat? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 information.

The United Arab Emirates’ pitch has always been: you are safe here. This year, that changed. We go to Dubai to examine how the UAE prepared for conflict and its plans for peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a joint memorandum declaring that Westminster’s time is “coming to an end”. But is there a clear path to independence? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt tweaked a nerve in Germany and across Europe. We examine how it won, its leaders’ plans and the media’s role in the rise of the far right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explainer 534: Jamaica’s government is seeking legal guidance from King Charles on receiving reparations. What issues lie at the heart of this request? And how is London likely to respond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, Norway. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Arancha González Laya, Tinne Van der Straeten, Stephen Bull and Steffen Syvertsen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite its troubled history, nuclear energy is back on the agenda across the globe. Could it be our saviour? And what are the strategic risks for nations that aren’t keeping up with the energy renaissance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colonel-General Ratko Mladić died last week in prison in the Netherlands. Serbia has a complicated relationship with the disgraced war criminal, with many calling for a state funeral. What will his legacy be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months into the US’s war with Iran, is any kind of military victory possible? Or is the Strait of Hormuz the US’s Suez? Rear admiral Mark Montgomery, Bloomberg’s Dina Esfandiary and historian Stephen Wertheim discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a warm reception between Donald Trump and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. What stands to be gained for both sides? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US retreats from Nato’s “all for one, one for all” clause, Europe is forging new defence ties. Can the West hold together without Washington? Estonia’s defence minister, Hanno Pevkur, joins the debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Moldova vulnerable to Russian pressure and EU membership still years away, could reunification with Romania offer a shortcut to greater security? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democrats’ centrist and progressive wings have each claimed victories in the primary cycle. Is the Democratic Party on the verge of re-assembling its circular firing squad? And who will win in November? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia’s Supreme Court has barred the country’s only anti-war party from standing in parliamentary “elections”. Does the ban reflect an uptick in anti-war support or Putin’s ever-tightening grip on power? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The migration crisis in Ceuta sparked a fierce response across Europe. Does it expose a genuine threat to the border-free Schengen zone or are governments using the surge for political gain? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morocco confirmed this week that it has named a major highway in Western Sahara after US president Donald Trump. But what’s the strategy behind awarding Trump a personal stake in the disputed territory? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirty years ago, it was assumed that the internet would be an engine of liberal democracy. Now, Silicon Valley’s massive wealth is embracing power and promoting right-wing ideology. How did we get here? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party is scuttling onto the political stage. It has already claimed one minister’s resignation but can continued protests force the government to give up more ground? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Canada battles wildfires, Spain declares a national climate emergency and France evacuates tens of thousands, where do the politics around climate change stand? Is denialism gaining traction or is diplomacy winning the day? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Burnham became the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years this week. Why has Britain adopted Italian-style political turbulence and is it here to stay? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Cup has always been political, including previous editions hosted by juntas and dictatorships. This year, presidents thumbed the scale and small nations made us dream again. Who scored and who was caught offside? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at Midori House in London. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Gerhard Salge, Olga Rosca and Richard Nugee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equality Nina Larsson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poland has been one of Ukraine’s biggest allies since the full-scale invasion by Russia. But will that continue after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial tribute? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico has made a promising start on the pitch but what other victories is the nation eyeing up? Andrew Mueller is joined by former ambassador to the US Arturo Sarukhán, among others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Fifa faces reports of unsold tickets, one seat at France’s World Cup matches is being deliberately left empty. But why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from the Black Sea Security Forum, we hear from Ukrainian MPs on the country’s future and the state of warfare. As Ukraine fights on, it has shifted from needing aid to providing new intelligence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivanka Trump has revealed extensive plans to redevelop Albanian island Sazan into a luxury resort. But after thousands gathered in protest, will it go ahead? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from the Black Sea Security Forum, we hear stories from both the front line and surrounding regions in the war against Russia, including senator Ruben Gallego and Salomé Zourabichvili, fifth president of Georgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italians are up in arms about the newly unveiled Ferrari Luce, the luxury carmaker’s first electric vehicle. But why the controversy? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rapid rise of prediction markets is prompting questions about their influence on politics, military operations and the way we consume news. We discuss with guests including PredictIt founder John Aristotle Phillips. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned 15 Senegalese football fans ahead of the World Cup. But what happened at the Africa Cup of Nations final to trigger their arrest? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.