The Foreign Desk

Many politicians and diplomats serve during incidents that feel stranger than fiction. Veep writer David Quantick and former UK ambassador John Everard discuss how entertainment and politics interact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a tough week for Zelensky’s government. But is there a bright side to the corruption scandal gripping Ukraine? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the ice recedes, geopolitical tensions are emerging among arctic nations – not to mention China and the US. What are the stakes? And how can this region be better defended?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC is the latest media outlet to find itself at the mercy of Trump’s legal team. Does this spell the end of the embattled British institution? Or just another passing feud for the litigious president?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young people across the world are taking to the streets, setting fire to parliaments and toppling governments. But why now? And are these activists any different to previous generations?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After threatening Venezuela with military intervention last week, President Trump has now shifted his focus to Nigeria. But why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argentina’s mid-terms surprised everyone, as president Javier Milei’s party doubled its parliamentary seats. Have Argentinians bought into his radical economic programme? Or will the pain and populism prove too much? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US presidents are, as we know, two-term limited. But will that stop Trump? Andrew Mueller lays out the possible paths to re-re-election.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eighty years on from its inception, the United Nations is in crisis. Former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton joins an expert panel to discuss the institution’s need for change, and if reform is possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan made history this week as its first woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, was sworn in. But what are her politics and how will she manage without a parliamentary majority?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has achieved what numerous other world leaders have failed to secure: a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. So is there actually merit in his unorthodox approach to diplomacy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Andry Rajoelina flees as Madagascar’s youth follow the example of protestors in Morocco, Nepal and Sri Lanka, among others. But why are Gen Z taking to the streets across the world? Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed terms of a ceasefire. But was this the only possible path? What were the other options open to Israel since 7 October?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While neither nation is famed for their military might, the mutual defence treaty signed this week by Australia and Papua New Guinea has some strategic benefits for both. Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Sunday’s parliamentary election was one of existential stakes for Moldova and considerable concern for Europe. But will the newly elected, pro-EU PAS keep Russian influence at bay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following India’s recent victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, handshakes were absent and India refused to accept the trophy. Andrew Mueller plots the course of these nations’ geopolitical tensions on the cricket field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The size, power and appetite for misinformation of the largest social media platforms is undeniable. But how real is the national security threat? And what can be done about it? We hear from MP Christine Jardine and others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten countries recognised Palestine this week, including the UK, France and Canada. Why now? Andrew Mueller examines the geopolitical and domestic reasons behind the shift.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In democracies, it is an article of faith that nobody – not even the national leader – is above the law. As with most articles of faith, expedient exceptions are made. What impact does accountability have?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As information about Charlie Kirk’s killer slowly begins to emerge, the Republican Party’s response has been far more prompt. Andrew Mueller assesses the fallout.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following President Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and Washington, cities across the US are bracing themselves. What is he trying to accomplish? And how can a city mayor prepare for it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As many as 22 people are dead and hundreds injured in Nepal during riots against corruption and a social media ban. But is the government’s ruling as pure-hearted as they want it to appear?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the right engages in fearmongering and the left struggles with coherent messaging, can immigration be reformed? Is shutting the door effective? And how does anyone win against those who want to shut it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been an uptick in St George’s flags festooned on buildings and spray-painted over road signs in England. But why, despite right-wing associations, is Labour endorsing the practice?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Navy sets sail for Venezuela. What does president Trump hope to accomplish with this gunboat diplomacy? How has president Maduro clung to power and will the US ever leave South America alone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time ever, Australia has expelled an ambassador. But why is Iran’s Ahmad Sadeghi packing his bags and what does it have to do with antisemitic attacks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As president Trump’s isolationist leanings become US foreign policy, is the era of the American hegemony over? Did the US lead us somewhere worthwhile? And if the US recedes, who steps up?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar’s military, which has held power since 2021, has announced a general election for later this year. Has Myanmar suddenly become a democracy? Or is something else afoot? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel was once regarded as an essentially left-wing project. Now, the country has grown more conservative, defensive and, some would argue, extreme. Is a liberal Israel recoverable? And might that lead to peace?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Balochistan Liberation Army has been reclassified by the US as a “foreign terrorist organization”. But why the sudden interest in a Pakistani bête noire?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political leaders around the world face waning popularity and seem to be unable to change their fates. Is this the result of less effective leaders or more impatient electorates?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jair Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest after breaking pre-trial rules this week as he faces charges for attempting to stage a coup. But why is Trump throwing his support behind Brazil’s former president?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International pressure mounts on Israel to end its war in Gaza, which has been dubbed a “catastrophe of epic proportions” by the UN. Plus: we examine the prospect of a Palestinian state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, militants attached to Islamic State attacked a church in Komanda, killing at least 43 people. Why is the jihadist group keen to establish itself in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cameroon’s 92 year-old president Paul Biya seeks re-election to extend his 43-year tenure. We investigate the long and often violent conflict in his country. Is Anglo-Franco reconciliation possible? And is anyone paying attention?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller examines the fatal clashes between Druze and Bedouin Syrians.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lesotho MP is facing charges after accusing the country’s monarch of signing over land to its neighbour, South Africa. Andrew Mueller explains the history and prospects of this decidedly niche territorial dispute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From drones to radios, the war in Ukraine has rapidly accelerated technical development. In this fast-evolving landscape, what does the future of warfare hold and will humans have a role on the battlefield?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent Filipino elections were, arguably, a political episode of family feud. We examine the creation and durability of political dynasties. Plus: a banned would-be Thai leader explains how to run against a prime minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As last year’s rapid descent of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad attests, when a dictator falls, they fall fast. But what are the conditions under which that fall occurs? And how can they be sparked?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explains the relocation ballot being offered to Tuvaluans by Australia and what’s in it for the host nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Despite Trump’s assertions, the state of play between Israel and Iran remains unclear. We’re joined by Arash Azizi, Tara Kangarlou and Tom Nichols to consider the possible consequences of the past 12 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explains the leaked phone call scandalising Thailand in its ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporting from the Globsec Forum in Prague, we hear from guests including the host country’s foreign minister and Georgia’s president to discern how their countries are adapting to today’s security, military and political threats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explains how the rivalry between the late and former president, Edgar Lungu, and the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, is going well beyond the grave. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporting from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Andrew Mueller talks to leaders – domestic and international – about why Ukraine’s struggle for survival matters around the globe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Some) Italians headed to the polls this week to decide who gets to be one of them. Andrew Mueller explains what’s at the heart of this debate and why apathy might have won the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller reports from the Black Sea Security Forum, asking why Odesa matters beyond Ukraine’s borders and how Ukrainians have managed to keep fighting more than three years into Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller unpacks the latest round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran, asks why Trump is now eager after rejecting the previous deal and why Iran has fewer cards to play than in the Obama years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.