The Foreign Desk

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Given Trump’s recent, more combative approach to foreign policy, it was surprising to see the US extend the hand of friendship to West Africa’s military dictators this week. So what’s behind this new alliance?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One month on from US forces seizing the now former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, its impact still remains unclear. Will Caracas’s new leader bring any real change? Is Trump’s aversion to foreign entanglements over?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, General Johnson Olony, deputy chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, ordered troops to “spare no one”. Andrew Mueller unpacks the two-man power struggle at the top and how it continues to fuel civil war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Foreign Desk’ reports from Nuuk as Trump’s threat of force grips Greenland. Is Nuuk closer now to Copenhagen or is independence more important than ever? Can the damage done to Nato be repaired?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Donald Trump’s designs on Greenland in any way explainable? Andrew Mueller does his best to try.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos – or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has pledged to ‘run’ Venezuela after US forces captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Is this the beginning of a tripolar world between the US, China and Russia? And should Greenland, Cuba and Colombia be on edge?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most notable world events that we explained in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller reflects on some of his favourite, and most impactful, conversations from the year on 'The Foreign Desk'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lithuania has been beleaguered by balloons drifting into its airspace from neighbouring Belarus. What are the military advantages of this seemingly whimsical mode of transportation? And how severe is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation’s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benin has become the latest West African state to face a coup. Andrew Mueller explains how the region’s history of upheavals gave president Patrice Talon the tools to stop the attempt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year on from the spectacular toppling of the Assad regime, has the Syrian revolution achieved its aims? How well is President al-Sharaa governing and remaking his image? Will global intervention help or hurt the state?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-styled US “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth is facing criticism for striking boats off the coast of Venezuela, killing more than 80 people. But will there be any consequences?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with a panel of experts from Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova and Aurora.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many Russians support President Putin’s worldview? Does real opposition exist? Leading dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza outlines how Russia and the West must prepare for the post-Putin era, and why those efforts must begin now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Ukraine stand to gain anything from the US-brokered peace deal? And does Russia even want the war to end?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.