The Foreign Desk

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.

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.