In this special episode recorded at the Munich Security Conference, Andrew Mueller sits down with the prime minister of Belgium, Alexander de Croo, the prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former CIA director General David Petraeus, Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, the prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the prime minister of Bulgaria, Nikolai Denkov. 

After the Taliban refused to attend a UN conference in Doha about Afghanistan this week, Andrew Mueller takes a moment to evaluate how much the terrorist group has really changed. 

The role of first lady or, increasingly, first gentleman, can be one of the most potent ambassadorial positions in any nation’s diplomatic ranks. What is it really like to be the spouse of a world leader? Andrew Mueller speaks to Clarke Gayford, broadcaster and husband of Jacinda Ardern; Charity Wallace, former chief of staff to Laura Bush; and Elizabeth Natalle, co-founder of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education. 

Andrew Mueller explains how Senegal’s president, Macky Sall, is clinging to power beyond his term limits.

Voters in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, are gearing up to elect their next president in what is expected to be a hotly contested vote. Who is running and what are the key issues? Andrew Mueller speaks to James Chambers, Dewi Fortuna Anwar and Jacqui Baker.

Andrew Mueller examines why bizarre conspiracy theories about Taylor Swift and the Super Bowl are spreading.

The war in Gaza is reverberating across the Middle East. How are nearby countries responding to the conflict? For a closer look at Iran, Jordan and Iraq, Andrew Mueller speaks to Vali Nasr, Merissa Khurma and Renad Mansour.

Andrew Mueller explains why we should care about Tuvalu’s election results.

The world has paid little attention to Sudan since war broke out there 10 months ago. In a distracted world full of hostility, why are conflicts in Africa so easily neglected? Andrew Mueller speaks to Isma’il Kushkush, William Patey and Nima Elbagir.

Andrew Mueller explains how Ethiopia has angered Somalia and Egypt in its efforts to secure a coastal base for its boatless navy. 

Foreign policy rarely wins US elections but the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have become intertwined with American politics. Will foreign policy loom large over November’s presidential election? And what would another Trump-Biden showdown mean for the world? Andrew Mueller speaks to Johanna Maska, Tom Nichols and Julie Norman.

Andrew Mueller examines the kidnapping and abuse of office charges facing Italy’s deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini.

There is a tendency to view those in politics as diplomatic robots, solely programmed to keep the world running. But they are humans with personalities, hobbies and previous accomplishments in unrelated fields. In this special episode of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we’ll meet a finance minister who plays chess, a foreign minister who played basketball and a diplomat who wrote a bestseller and ask, ‘Does success in other fields open more doors in politics?’

Andrew Mueller explains Bangladesh’s descent into a one-party autocracy. 

A selection of the best interviews over the past year, from the most listened-to episodes to the team’s personal favourites.

Andrew Mueller explains the first complicated news story of 2024.

We look back at the big events of 2023 and peer ahead at next year. Andrew Mueller speaks to Yossi Mekelberg, Latika Bourke and Yassmin Abdel-Magied.

From Nelson Mandela’s colourful shirts to Madeleine Albright’s glitzy brooches, fashion has been used as a powerful tool to communicate messages on the world stage. What role does fashion play in diplomacy? Andrew Mueller speaks to Natalie Theodosi, Samantha Conti and Desré Buirski. 

As attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea continue to grow, Andrew Mueller examines what they mean for the global shipping industry, as well as order in the region. 

Throughout history, music has served as an instrument of soft power, transcending divides and even catalysing the downfall of regimes. How does music shape geopolitics and international diplomacy? Andrew Mueller speaks to Reiland Rabaka, András Simonyi, Lance Price and Rhiannon Giddens.

Guatemala’s president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, is due to be sworn into office on 14 January. However, certain powerful figures within the country seem to be doing all they can to prevent this from happening. Andrew Mueller explains.

Tensions rose between Venezuela and Guyana this week after Nicolas Maduro boasted an “overwhelming” people’s mandate for Caracas to exploit oil deposits in the disputed Essequibo region. What happens now? Andrew Mueller speaks to Donnette Streete, Kiana Wilburg, Christopher Sabatini and Benjamin Gedan. 

Rwanda has gone from being a place that not many British citizens could point to on a map to becoming one of the year’s biggest buzzwords, as a result of the incumbent Conservative government. Andrew Mueller explains the obsession. 

The long-running battle for the Parthenon Marbles erupted again this week between Greece and the UK. In this special episode, we explore some of the bitterest and most bizarre diplomatic disputes between otherwise amicable nations. Is the British Museum losing its marbles? What does it take to resolve a conflict with a friendly state? Andrew Mueller speaks to George Parker, John Everard, Alex von Tunzelmann and Jeppe Kofod. 

Though Ukraine’s next presidential election is scheduled to be held on 31 March 2024, Russia’s invasion of the country has created many issues that would prevent it from being truly free and fair. Andrew Mueller explains why some people think that Ukraine should hold it anyway.

Javier Milei shocked Argentina – and the world – after winning the country’s presidential election. So, who is Milei and what does the future hold for Argentina under an eccentric and unpredictable new leader? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ana Lankes, Benjamin Gedan and Tom Nichols. 

Liberia’s president, George Weah, has been praised for his sportsmanship after peacefully conceding the country’s election this week. Andrew Mueller explains why this is remarkable and why the football legend might have lost his position in the first place.

It is six weeks since Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, which indiscriminately and cruelly killed about 1,200 people and prompted a brutal and unrelenting retaliatory ground insurgency led by the Israeli Defence Force. The local authority so far claims figures of 11,000 dead. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vows to bring an end to Hamas but is that even possible? And what comes next? Will there be a Gaza left to govern? And can there ever be peace? Andrew Mueller speaks to Nimrod Goren, Khaled Elgindy and Sanam Vakil.

Like a previously believed-to-be-dead character in a soap opera, former UK prime minister David Cameron’s episode-ending reveal on Downing Street caused an audible gasp, followed by questions of how, what, where, when and why? Andrew Mueller explains.

The Arctic is not simply a forbidding and fragile environment. It is a home to millions, many of whom hail from indigenous communities who have harmoniously worked with the land and sea for generations. But who actually speaks on behalf of this region? And is anyone listening? In our final episode recorded at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, we meet representatives of some of the Arctic’s indigenous peoples and a few office-holders who grapple with the unique challenges of governing in – or near – the Arctic. 

As Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, pays a visit to his Chinese counterpart, Andrew Mueller muses on the fickle relationship between the two countries over the past 50 years. 

Frozen and remote, the Arctic has long been a region of relative peace and stability. Russia’s war in Ukraine, however, has significantly altered Arctic security. What are Vladimir Putin’s polar ambitions and is the militarisation of the Arctic inevitable? Andrew Mueller speaks to admiral Rob Bauer, chair of the Nato Military Committee; Petteri Vuorimäki, Finland’s Arctic ambassador; James Gray, UK member of parliament; Anu Laamanen, Finland’s ambassador to Iceland; and Volker Rachold, head of the German Arctic Office at the Arctic Circle Assembly.

As the retaliatory invasion of Gaza continues, Andrew Mueller ponders on what Israel wants to achieve and what outcome is most likely. 

In this special episode, recorded at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Andrew Mueller sits down with the president of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, US senator for Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, and Mads Qvist Frederiksen, executive director at the Arctic Economic Council. 

Andrew Mueller explains the history of Hezbollah and why it is claiming a stake in the conflict with Israel. 

Feminist foreign policy is gaining traction around the world. How does it work in practice – and what is the role of women in promoting peace? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sweden’s former foreign minister, Margot Wallström, Slovenia’s minister for foreign affairs, Tanja Fajon, politics professor Jennifer Piscopo and peace-mediation expert Johanna Poutanen.

Daniel Noboa, a 35-year-old son of a banana tycoon, is set to become Ecuador’s next president. Andrew Mueller takes a closer look at the centre-right political outsider’s credentials.

As fighting rages between Israel and Hamas militants, we ask what the war might mean for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stability in the region. How did we get here and what happens next? Andrew Mueller speaks to Allison Kaplan Sommer, Yossi Mekelberg, Ghaith al-Omari and Ami Ayalon.

Australians are preparing to vote in a historic referendum that would recognise Indigenous citizens in the country’s constitution by establishing an official voice to parliament. What is at stake?

The race to dominate Artificial Intelligence has become a major geopolitical concern and is certain to redefine warfare and deterrence. How will AI reshape militaries and the future of great-power competition? Andrew Mueller speaks to Scott Young, General John Allen, and Ulrike Franke.

Last weekend, Slovakia narrowly voted in Robert Fico, leader of the Smer party, as prime minister. He is in a legal battle with his president and one of his few allies appears to be Hungary’s pro-Putin leader, Viktor Orbán. Andrew Mueller explains how this new leadership is at odds with the country that Slovakia has been in recent years.

France has withdrawn its ambassador to Niger and announced the removal of its troops from the country following a military coup whose anti-French rhetoric has stirred up animosity in the region. Is President Macron the reason or the scapegoat for France’s diplomatic and strategic reverses in Africa? And what can he do on the world stage with the rest of his term? Andrew Mueller is joined by Aanu Adeoye, Sophie Pedder, Gesine Weber and Michel Duclos. 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both signalled a strong desire to normalise relations between their countries. Andrew Mueller explains why this would be consequential and the hurdles both parties face. 

In the final episode of our special ‘In the Room’ series, we look back at the 10-week Falklands War between Argentina and the UK in 1982. Andrew Mueller speaks to Michael Heseltine, former deputy prime minister of the UK, David Omand, former director of the British government communications headquarters, and Admiral Lord Alan West, former commander of the ‘HMS Ardent’.

Expat Eritreans around the world have been protesting against Eritrean cultural festivals held in their cities. Andrew Mueller explains why the events’ links to the country’s incumbent president, Isaias Afwerki, have incensed those who have left their homeland.

In part two of our ‘In the Room’ series, we speak to the key players involved in the secret talks that led to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Andrew Mueller speaks to Niël Barnard, the former head of South Africa’s National Intelligence Service, who conducted clandestine talks with Mandela, Willie Esterhuyse, an Afrikaner academic who liaised between the ANC and the government, and Greg Myre, a journalist who witnessed Mandela’s release.

Andrew Mueller explains how protests by the Sikh diaspora of Canada led to a frosty reception for the country’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, at the G20 summit in India. 

In part one of our special ‘In the Room’ series, we look back on the chilling moments that followed the September 11 terror attacks, meeting top aides who were rushed onto Air Force One with US president George W Bush, a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting first lady Laura Bush and a staffer who was evacuated from the White House. 

Andrew Mueller explains the growing relationship between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, and the potential implications that it may have for Russia. 

A wave of protests across government-controlled areas of Syria gathered momentum this week, with demonstrators demanding regime change. Is a future without Bashar al-Assad still possible for Syria? Andrew Mueller speaks to Leila Molana-Allen, Firas Maksad, Lina Khatib, and William Patey.

Andrew Mueller explains how a once-diminished Islamic State is re-emerging across Africa. 

The global fishing industry has found itself at the heart of major debates and conflicts. In this special episode we explore the curious power of fish in politics. What makes these aquatic animals so politically sensitive? Are there really plenty more fish in the sea? Andrew Mueller speaks to Tomohiko Taniguchi, Sebastian Whale, Katharine Hayhoe and Árni Matthias Mathiesen. 

Guatemala has elected a new president, bringing hope to the country. But with five months to go until his inauguration, it remains to be seen how smooth the transfer of power will be. Andrew Mueller explains who Bernardo Arevalo is and what kind of president he might be.   

Zimbabweans will head to the polls next week to elect their country’s leader amid economic turmoil and vote-rigging fears. What is at stake? Andrew Mueller speaks to Hopewell Chin’ono, Fadzayi Mahere, Robert Chapman and Georgina Godwin.

Rock’n’roll singer, tantric sex coach and now, presidential candidate in Argentina. Andrew Mueller explains who Javier Milei is, his politics and if he has a chance of winning the election. 

The war in Ukraine has shifted Europe’s centre of gravity eastward. As Poland and Ukraine rapidly expand their militaries, the two countries have positioned themselves as vanguards of Western defence. Is a new balance of power being shaped? And will this spell trouble for traditional powerbrokers Germany and France? Andrew Mueller speaks to Radosław Sikorksi, Lili Bayer and Steven Erlanger.

El Salvador has been cracking down on gang criminals after years of widespread fear. Andrew Mueller explains how president Bukele’s barbaric methods have led to positive stats in both crime figures and leadership polls. 

Last week the US Congress held a bizarre hearing on UFOs, which included explosive testimony about alien spacecraft defying laws of physics. What did we learn from America’s UFO hearing? Why do people latch onto conspiracy theories? And what does this mean for democracies? Andrew Mueller speaks to Marina Koren, Tom Nichols, Will Sommer and Richard Evans.

Andrew Mueller looks at the coup in Niger as a symptom of the discontent rippling through West Africa.

In this special episode, Andrew Mueller sits down with former CIA director David H Petraeus to discuss the Wagner mutiny and western support for the war in Ukraine. 

Andrew Mueller explains what happened in Spain’s snap election and what is likely to come next.

In this episode recorded at the Nato summit in Vilnius, we examine the high-priority issues dominating the in-trays of foreign and defence ministers. Andrew Mueller speaks to the ministers of foreign affairs of Finland, Iceland and the Czech Republic, and to Estonia’s minister of defence. 

Hun Sen has been Cambodia’s prime minister since 1984. Andrew Mueller explains how he has remained in power for so long and why he will be reelected this weekend.

In this special episode, the team travels to Vilnius for a historic Nato summit. What’s in store for the alliance and when will Ukraine be joining? Andrew Mueller speaks to the prime minister of Bulgaria, Nikolai Denkov; Benedetta Berti-Alberti; Ambassador Andrej Benedejcic; and Daria Kaleniuk.

Nato members are conflicted after the US announced that it would supply Ukraine with surplus cluster bombs. Andrew Mueller discusses the controversial decision and why the besieged country wants the munitions.

Militaries around the world are enlisting novelists to dream up the wars of the future. What can defence experts learn from science fiction? Andrew Mueller speaks to political scientist Peter Singer, general Sir Richard Shirreff, major general Mick Ryan and Nato’s Ruben Diaz-Plaja.

An incident during an England-Australia cricket match this week has spilled into the geopolitical sphere as prime ministers, Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese, both issued pointed statements toward each other. Andrew Mueller explains why it’s such big news for all those who might find themselves stumped. 

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko became an unexpected major player in the apparent resolution of the dispute between Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group and the Russian state. What does Belarus have to gain (and lose) from backing Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine? Andrew Mueller speaks to John Everard, Hanna Liubakova and Andrei Sannikov.

Andrew Mueller considers the reasons why Wagner Group Chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, aborted his mutiny so quickly and what might happen next. 

National leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation are gearing up for the alliance’s high-stakes summit next month in Lithuania. How has the war in Ukraine transformed Nato? And what comes next? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ingrida Simonyte, prime minister of Lithuania; Benedetta Berti-Alberti, head of policy planning in the Office of the Secretary-General at Nato; Kersti Kaljulaid, former president of Estonia; and Swedish political scientist Anna Wieslander.

Andrew Mueller explains the recent trip of African leaders to Ukraine and Russia, and assesses whether it made any difference in terms of helping to end the war.

Almost 16 months since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war shows no signs of ending. How long will the conflict last – and is the West actually afraid of a Ukrainian victory? Andrew Mueller sits down with General Philip Breedlove, Nato’s former supreme allied commander Europe, General Sir Richard Shirreff, Nato’s former deputy supreme allied commander Europe, and Russian opposition politician Vladimir Milov.

Following Trump’s historic court appearance in Miami, Andrew Mueller explains the former US president’s growing laundry list of legal trouble and what it means for him politically.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, calls for EU enlargement have returned to the top of the political agenda. To explore the future of European integration, the team travels to the Globsec 2023 Bratislava Forum to speak to European Parliament president Roberta Metsola, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s minister of foreign affairs, Elmedin Konaković, and journalist Suzanne Lynch.

A pilot from New Zealand has been taken hostage in Indonesia. Andrew Mueller explains who his captors are and what they want.

With no end in sight to the bloody war in Ukraine, we ask what lessons can be drawn for parallel conflicts in Taiwan and Belarus. In a special episode recorded at the Globsec 2023 Bratislava Forum, Andrew Mueller speaks to Roy Chun Lee, Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister; Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus’s opposition leader; and Hanna Hopko, a Ukrainian politician.

At least 25 Nato soldiers and 52 Serb civilians have been hurt during violent clashes in northern Kosovo this week. Andrew Mueller explains what has led to this confrontation.

Fighting continues in Sudan despite successive ceasefire deals. Is there a way to stop two rival soldiers from destroying their country? Andrew Mueller speaks to Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Kholood Khair and Mat Nashed.

Twelve years after Syria was expelled from the Arab League for atrocities committed by President Assad, he and his nation have been warmly welcomed back. Andrew Mueller explains what, if anything, has warranted this change.

Russia’s war in Ukraine has galvanised western alliances but many other countries feel no imperative to come down on either side. This new class of nations are the global swing states of the 21st century, enjoying a significant amount of sway on the world stage. What does it take to win them over? To examine the cases of South Africa, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, Andrew Mueller speaks to Tony Leon, Cecilia Tornaghi and Bernard Haykel.

Though the people of Thailand have voted out the military in favour of the Move Forward Party, the way ahead remains unclear. Andrew Mueller explains why.

Baroness Catherine Ashton, former high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, joins Andrew Mueller to discuss her remarkable career, the global response to the war in Ukraine and what it was like to sit across from Vladimir Putin.

Russia’s Victory Day parade was a more low-key affair this year, with the exception of a vitriolic speech by Vladimir Putin. Andrew Mueller dissects the meaning behind the words.

Last year’s Eurovision Song Contest was a demonstration of the extraordinary political and diplomatic potency of this curious annual circus. For many of the same reasons, this year’s Eurovision will be as well. What has it meant to Ukraine to be the Eurovision champions this past year and how is Liverpool preparing to acknowledge the rightful hosts? With MC Kilimen, Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko and Maria Romanenko. 

Andrew Mueller explains what to expect from the upcoming coronation of the British monarch. 

In this special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we speak to former spies from different intelligence services serving in different eras. We’ll find out how to recruit assets, disrupt communications, adopt false identities and, if necessary, get out in a hurry. And we’ll learn how and why spies become spies.

Australia’s defence review has identified an urgent need for the country to bolster its military personnel and weaponry, despite being in peacetime. Andrew Mueller discusses whether this conclusion is paranoid or has merit.

The race to be Thailand’s next prime minister could result in a major opposition victory. Will the election be free and fair? Andrew Mueller speaks to Gwen Robinson, Kiara Kijburana and Pavin Chachavalpongpun, while James Chambers meets Korn Chatikavanij and Tisana Choonhavan.

Andrew Mueller explains the background of the deadly conflict in Sudan.

Georgia’s imprisoned former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, has become a focal point for thousands of Georgians who are protesting against what they believe is the government’s increasingly authoritarian – and pro-Russian – behaviour. What is behind the crisis in Georgia? Andrew Mueller speaks to Will Cathcart, Bill Browder, Rayhan Demytrie and Olesya Vartanyan.

About 45 million Americans claim Irish ancestry – almost 10 times the population of Ireland. This is especially true of US presidents from John F Kennedy onwards. Andrew Mueller explains why.

It has been 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, a landmark accord that largely ended three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. As the country marks the milestone of a quarter century of (relative) peace, what challenges remain? Andrew Mueller speaks to Jonathan Powell, Aoife Moore and Glenn Patterson.

Donald Trump appeared in a New York court this week facing 34 felony charges. Andrew Mueller explains whether incarceration can preclude the former president from being re-elected. 

Nordic nations are globally renowned for their contributions to international diplomacy. Why do Nordic countries excel as peace mediators? In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to the president of Iceland, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson; the former prime minister of Finland, Alexander Stubb; Janne Taalas, Jonathan Powell and Heini Lehtinen.

Lebanese citizens were left hanging this week after an indecision on daylight saving time. Andrew Mueller explains.

Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. Will this landmark rapprochement have a ripple effect across the Middle East? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sanam Vakil, Bernard Haykel, Vali Nasr and Yossi Mekelberg.

In 2022, Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, introduced his Total Peace concept, a plan intended to encourage criminal gangs to compromise with the government. Andrew Mueller explains how recent events have impeded such ambitions.

Climate change is not merely an environmental problem; it’s also a threat to security and stability, and a possible cause of conflict. Could it therefore be the case that climate security and national security are the same thing? Andrew Mueller speaks to the deputy prime minister of Luxembourg, François Bausch, Pauline Baudu and General Tom Middendorp.

The US, UK and Australia have announced details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Andrew Mueller explains how we got here.

As Russia’s attacks on Ukraine rage on, Baltic and Balkan countries are feeling vindicated in their warnings about Putin’s intentions. For years, the regions have warned about the immediate dangers posed by Russia and now the west appears to be listening. In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to the prime ministers of Lithuania and Kosovo, the president of Slovenia, the former president of Estonia and the former deputy prime minister of Latvia.

An opposition candidate has been selected for the upcoming Turkish presidential election. Andrew Mueller explains who he is and how he differs from President Erdogan. 

It’s been more than a year since Finland and Sweden submitted their applications to become NATO’s 31st and 32nd members. While the two Nordic neighbours remain on the cusp of joining the alliance, Turkey and Hungary have yet to give them the green light. How long will this take? And will both nations be able to join the alliance hand-in-hand? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sweden’s minister for foreign affairs, Tobias Billström; Finland’s minister for foreign affairs, Pekka Haavisto; Norway’s minister for foreign affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt; and the former prime minister of Finland, Alexander Stubb.

Over the past year, Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has been removing self-governing rights from Disney World and imposing government oversight on the parks. Andrew Mueller explains why.

In this special episode, recorded at the Munich Security Conference, Andrew Mueller sits down with the prime minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, Iceland’s minister for foreign affairs, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, and the president of Open Society Foundations, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown.

Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, has warned of a Russian plot to overthrow her government. Andrew Mueller explains why this is possible and how Moldova is trying to keep Moscow at bay.

Next week voters in Africa’s most populous nation will head to the polls to elect a new president. What are the main issues dominating the election and how will it impact the wider region? Andrew Mueller speaks to Aanu Adeoye, Leena Koni Hoffmann and Dipo Faloyin.

Andrew Mueller explains Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul Israel’s judicial system, which has led to mass protests.

As India gears up for its general election next year, anger over the Adani empire led by Gautam Adani, a Modi ally, is growing. Will the Adani affair cast a shadow on the prime minister? Andrew Mueller speaks to Shruti Kapila, Sumit Ganguly and Somnath Batabyal.

On Monday earthquakes devastated Turkey and Syria. Thousands have been killed. Diplomatic offers of assistance have been flooding in from usually hostile neighbours. Andrew Mueller looks to recent history and explains the successes and failures of past disaster diplomacy.

Many developed nations face a looming ageing-population crisis. What are governments doing to cope with this global trend that poses major political and economic challenges? Andrew Mueller speaks to Agnès Poirier, James Raymo, Marie Le Conte and Stephanie Hegarty.

In 2020, Azerbaijan used military force to take control of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenia. Today there are reports of blockades leading to starvation and sickness. Andrew Mueller explains how Vladimir Putin could stop the siege but why he probably won’t.

Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva was sworn in as Brazil’s president for the third time in January in a stunning comeback following four years of Bolsonaro’s far-right government. The newly inaugurated president now faces an uphill battle to rebuild his country and reinstate Brazil as a leading player on the world stage. What will Lula’s foreign policy look like? Andrew Mueller speaks to Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Christopher Sabatini, Cecilia Tornaghi and Sarah Shenker.

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been finding as many reasons as he can to prevent Sweden from being accepted into Nato. Andrew Mueller explains why and asks, when push comes to shove, will Turkey really block Sweden’s bid?

This week, Germany found itself needing a new defence minister amid criticisms for not agreeing to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. Why is Germany still so afraid of taking a military stance? Is Europe ready for an active German army? And how does this apprehension look to Ukrainians? Andrew Mueller is joined by Quentin Peel, Susan Neiman and Aliona Hlivco.

Less than half a year after classified papers were found at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, Maga fans are gleefully accusing Joe Biden of the same misdeeds that they defend the former president over. Andrew Mueller explains the severity of the situation.

The environment and the climate are factors in every conflict; the changing of the seasons has been arguably decisive on many occasions. How have militaries learned to adapt? How can those lessons be applied to conditions that may be changing beyond recognition? And can we stop climate wars from being fought? Andrew Mueller speaks to Sherri Goodman, Jasper Humphreys and Dr David Kilcullen.

There are many similarities between the US elections that led up to the 6 January 2021 Capitol attack and the storming of Brazil’s Congress, two years and two days later. Andrew Mueller explains the key differences.

One usually thinks of diplomacy as something conducted at state level by presidents and prime ministers. But nation-states are no longer the sole actors in the international arena. Cities and sub-state governments are transforming the way we conduct foreign affairs. How does paradiplomacy work? And what makes a good paradiplomat? Andrew Mueller speaks to the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, Professor Michael Keating and Kate Sanderson, head of representation of the Faroe Islands in London.

Botswana’s former president Ian Khama is facing criminal charges relating to firearms, money laundering and more. Andrew Mueller explains where these accusations have come from.

We look back on the big events of the past 12 months and peer ahead to next year. Andrew Mueller speaks to John Everard, Aliona Hlivco, Alex von Tunzelmann and Lada Roslycky.

As Monocle’s annual Soft Power Survey hits the newsstands, we consider the established and bizarre ways that countries project themselves abroad, from panda diplomacy and royalty to the craft of culinary persuasion. Andrew Mueller speaks to Paul Jepson, Lauren Bernstein, Nic Robertson and Paul Brannagan.

In this special Christmas episode, we head to the homeland of Santa Claus to examine some of Finland’s wonderful festive traditions. Andrew Mueller sits down with the country’s former president Tarja Halonen, Mr Claus and Markus Hippi to find out how Finns like to celebrate. Plus: Mueller gets hot and sweaty inside a sauna with Finland’s ambassador to the UK, Jukka Siukosaari.

Andrew Mueller explains why Guinea’s former leader, Moussa Dadis Camara, stands accused of involvement in a 2009 massacre.

This year’s Fifa World Cup in Qatar has a strong claim to be the most controversial football competition ever. Amid relentless criticism over the nation’s human-rights record, has Qatar’s soft-power push backfired? Andrew Mueller speaks to Craig Foster, Shaka Hislop, Laura McAllister, Paul Brannagan and Danyel Reiche.

South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, is mired in a convoluted corruption scandal. That is not unusual for the country but, as Andrew Mueller explains, it could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

For more than two months, Iran has been rocked by protests ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police. The unrest has continued steadily as women and a disproportionately young generation seek a better way of life. Why have these protests proved so durable and will it break the regime? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ramita Navai, Negin Shiraghaei and Holly Dagres.

Unrest has been brewing in China, where the threat of a heavy-handed police state is usually enough to dissuade dissent. Andrew Mueller explains why there are protests – and why now.

Once declared “brain-dead” by Emmanuel Macron, NATO has been rejuvenated by the conflict in Ukraine. In this special episode, Andrew Mueller speaks to General Philip Breedlove, NATO’s former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and General Sir Richard Shirreff, NATO’s former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Andrew Mueller explains Turkey’s longstanding and violent feud with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

While female representation in politics has improved in recent years, gender parity remains a distant dream. Women comprise more than half of the global population but only 26 per cent of lawmakers around the world are female. Why aren’t there more women in politics? And what will it take to finally shatter the glass ceiling? Andrew Mueller speaks to Iceland’s minister for foreign affairs, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Dr Meryl Kenny and Lance Price.

Why would Fifa host the World Cup in a country that not only has a hostile climate for sport and abuses human rights but has also never taken part in the competition? Andrew Mueller tries to explain.

In part three of our historical series, we travel back to the Bronze Age to revisit the Trojan War. Why did the Trojans fall for the Greeks’ wooden-horse stunt? Andrew Mueller speaks to Hannah Lucinda Smith, Jane Draycott and Daisy Dunn.

Andrew Mueller explains the allegations that China is influencing democratic elections in the West.

In part two of our historical series, we travel back to 1916 to chart the Easter Rebellion. What was happening in Ireland and how did the British authorities not see this coming? Andrew Mueller speaks to Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, Quentin Peel and John Dorney.

Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be on course to lead the most right-wing government in Israel’s history. Andrew Mueller unpacks the former prime minister’s dramatic political comeback.

In part one of our historical series, we travel back in time to 1957 to unpack the Sputnik crisis. What did this new satellite foreshadow, and how did the Soviet Union do it? Andrew Mueller speaks to Henry Rees-Sheridan, Tom Nichols, Mark Galeotti and Linda Dawson.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Israel for not sending military aid to Kyiv. Andrew Mueller examines Israel’s reluctance to send weapons and where this comes from.

This week’s special guest on The Foreign Desk is NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, whose role has unexpectedly been extended for a year in light of current events. Andrew Mueller asks Stoltenberg for his thoughts on Russia-Ukraine, China and NATO expansion.

The Jamaican government has banned certain music, and other culture broadcasts, in an attempt to curb the country’s issues with violence. Andrew Mueller looks to recent history to explain why this probably won’t work.

In the second of our special episodes recorded at the Warsaw Security Forum, Andrew Mueller sits down with Angela Merkel’s former foreign policy advisor, Belarus’s opposition leader and Luxembourg’s deputy prime minister.

Haiti’s government has asked for urgent military assistance from the international community to deal with the chaos caused by gangs. Andrew Mueller examines whether storming another country is always a bad idea.

In this special episode recorded at the Warsaw Security Forum, we examine what the world has learnt from nearly eight months of war in Ukraine. Andrew Mueller speaks to General Philip Breedlove, Nato’s former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Emma Searle meets Ingrida Šimonytė, the prime minister of Lithuania.

Lebanon and Israel seem to be close to striking a deal on a disputed border in the Mediterranean. Andrew Mueller explains why this is surprising and why we shouldn’t see it as the beginning of a peace negotiation.

Right-wing victories in Italy and Sweden have unsettled Europe, stoking concerns about a new rightward tilt. What’s behind the rise of populism in both countries and what does this mean for Europe? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ed Stocker, Nicholas Aylott, Francesco Costa and Chiara Rimella.

Andrew Mueller takes a look at the alleged founder of the Russian network of mercenaries the Wagner Group.

Twenty-five years ago, Hong Kong was handed back to China under a novel arrangement called “one country, two systems”. Following a tumultuous decade of unrest and government restrictions, what kind of future awaits Hong Kong? Andrew Mueller speaks to exiled pro-democracy activist Nathan Law, Professor Steve Tsang, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Tara Joseph and Monocle’s James Chambers.

Next month, Prague will host the first summit of the European Political Community. Andrew Mueller explains what it is and how it differs from the European Union.

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be one of the largest diplomatic events in history. Emperors, kings, queens and other foreign leaders will descend on London to pay their respects to the UK’s longest-reigning monarch. How important will this event be in terms of international relations? Andrew Mueller speaks to King Letsie III of Lesotho, John Everard, Lucy Hume, Nic Robertson and Helen Zille.

Monarchies can last only for as long as their citizens believe in them. Andrew Mueller examines what happens when the public doesn’t have a choice.

From nuclear armageddon to climate change, fears over doomsday scenarios have a long history. But where does this obsession with the end of the world come from and what does this reveal about real-world politics? Andrew Mueller speaks to Mike Bruford, Asmund Asdal, Tea Krulos, Sarah Posner and Michael Mills.

This week, Liz Truss was announced as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. Andrew Mueller explains why visiting the Queen is the first (and last) stop for each PM.

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has called for the alliance to boost its presence in the Arctic amid Russia’s military build-up in the region. As the Arctic undergoes significant shifts due to climate change and increasing interest from major powers, we ask what this means for the future of the region’s security. Andrew Mueller speaks to Benedetta Berti-Alberti, Malte Humpert, Caroline Kennedy-Pipe and Mia Otokiak.

Earlier this week violent protesters took to Iraq’s streets, leading to several deaths and many people being injured – prompted by the sudden announcement of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s retirement from politics. Andrew Mueller explains who he is and why he has such a strong hold over the country’s citizens.

As Ukraine marks 31 years of independence, exactly six months after Russia’s invasion of the country, we ask what the next few months might bring. Will Europe’s support for Ukraine hold? Andrew Mueller speaks to Marlene Laruelle, Suzanne Lynch, Anna Nemtsova and Alya Shandra.

Former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has been charged by police with breaching the country’s anti-terror act. Andrew Mueller explains what this is all about.

William Ruto has been elected as Kenya’s next president, narrowly defeating veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. Who is William Ruto and how will he position Kenya on the world stage? Andrew Mueller speaks to Moses Onyango, Naveena Kottoor and Murithi Mutiga.

Revelations have emerged that the former prime minister of Australia Scott Morrison had himself sworn in to five cabinet positions while serving as the leader of the government. Andrew Mueller tries to explain his rationale.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, there has been concern that Moldova might also be in Moscow’s sights. How threatened is Moldova and how can Europe help to protect it? Andrew Mueller speaks to Paula Erizanu, Valeriu Pasha, Alexandru Flenchea and General Sir Richard Shirreff.

Last week Israel launched air strikes on targets in Gaza. Andrew Mueller explains what makes this event different from the usual warfare with Palestine.

Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan trip was met with fury in Beijing, raising fears of a potential clash between the US and China. Was Pelosi’s visit a good idea? Can any lessons be drawn from Lithuania’s David-and-Goliath clash with China? Where do we go from here? Monocle’s Andrew Mueller speaks to Samson Ellis, Lithuania’s minister of foreign affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis and Bonnie Glaser.

Kosovo intends to implement a policy that requires drivers in the country to use Kosovan licence plates but Serbia isn’t happy. Andrew Mueller explains what this is really about.

While much of the west is united against Russia’s war in Ukraine, other countries have avoided taking sides. What does it really mean to be neutral and is non-alignment still possible in today’s connected world? To examine the cases of South Africa, Switzerland, Japan and Sweden, Andrew Mueller speaks to Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Benno Zogg, Pälvi Pulli, Tomohiko Taniguchi and Elisabeth Braw.

Former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party David Trimble has died at the age of 77. Andrew Mueller explains how he helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland in 1998.

Five months after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, the Monocle 24 team is back on the ground to update us on the conflict. Are Ukrainians afraid of dropping out of the news cycle in allied countries? How do you prevent that from happening and why is it important to keep the war on the front pages? Andrew Mueller speaks to Martin Bell, Olga Tokariuk, Carlota Rebelo and Chris Cermak.

Earlier this week, Mali arrested 49 soldiers from the Côte d’Ivoire who had arrived in the country as part of an ongoing UN mission. Andrew Mueller explains if this was a moment of confusion, or defiance.

Sri Lanka has plunged into political chaos in the face of financial meltdown. As the crisis rages on, the future of the country's 22 million people is uncertain. How did we get here and what happens next? Andrew Mueller speaks to Tanya Warnakulasuriya, Shanta Devarajan, Charu Lata Hogg and Bhavani Fonseka.

Russia’s gas supply to Europe has been halted due to what Russia says are annual maintenance works and technical issues. Andrew Mueller offers an alternative explanation.

After weeks of clinging on, Boris Johnson has at last agreed to step down as UK prime minister. What legacy does he leave behind? What challenges will his successor face? How have Ukrainians reacted? Andrew Mueller speaks to Tobias Ellwood, Lance Price, Vincent McAviney and Aliona Hlivco.

Andrew Mueller explains the proposed Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.

In this special episode, the team travels to Madrid for Nato’s most important summit in generations. How much stronger has Russia made the alliance, if only by accident? Andrew Mueller speaks to Lithuania’s foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis; the head of policy planning in the office of the secretary general at Nato, Benedetta Berti-Alberti; and Slovenia’s minister of foreign affairs, Tanja Fajon.

Roe vs Wade was just the beginning. Now the current US Supreme Court appears to be overturning a whole host of previous rulings. Andrew Mueller explains how two different Supreme Courts can read the same constitutional text and get two different answers.

Andrew Mueller sits down with former US secretary of defence Mark Esper to discuss his tumultuous tenure in the Trump administration, the ongoing Capitol Hill committee hearings, and how he thinks other Western militaries ought to respond to current challenges.

Belgium has returned a tooth, the last remains of the murdered Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, to members of his family. Andrew Mueller explains why.

The course of recent world history and the future of Ukraine rests on the whim of one man: Vladimir Putin. Was Putin’s rule of Russia always going to end up like this? In this episode, we hear from people who understand the evolution of Putin better than most. Andrew Mueller speaks to the former deputy energy minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Milov; the president of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović; former president of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski; and the former president of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid.

Andrew Mueller explains the UK government’s plan to deport certain migrants to Rwanda.

In the second of our special episodes recorded at Globsec, Andrew Mueller sits down with Romania’s state secretary, Simona Cojocaru, former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt and Ukrainian MP Maria Mezentseva.

Andrew Mueller explains how two throwaway, ill-thought-out comments from members of India’s BJP party sparked mass indignation around the world.

A special episode at the Globsec 2022 Bratislava Forum. Andrew Mueller talks to Belarus’s opposition leader, the former president of Estonia and the ambassador-at-large at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following the release of Fusako Shigenobu, the co-founder of the Japanese Red Army, Andrew Mueller explains the origins of the terrorist group.

In this special episode, Andrew Mueller sits down with the former prime minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, to discuss the volatile relationship between superpowers China and the United States, the possibility of a catastrophic war between them – and how to avert such a conflict – and what he learned during his lengthy meetings with Xi Jinping.

As the president of Senegal prepares to visit Moscow and Kyiv in the coming weeks on behalf of the African Union, Andrew Mueller explains why African nations are divided over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden and Finland have submitted their applications to become Nato’s 31st and 32nd members. We ask what Sweden and Finland would bring to the alliance, and if this expansion would make Nato’s mission of defending the west easier or harder. Andrew Mueller speaks to Jukka Siukosaari, the Finnish ambassador to the UK, Mikaela Kumlin Granit, Sweden’s ambassador to the UK, and to former Nato chief General Sir Richard Shirreff, among others.

Following a Covid delay, the annual World Economic Forum at Davos is finally taking place again from 22 to 26 May. This year, there will be some new participants – representatives from eight cutting-edge Finnish companies that are innovating within energy, technology, healthcare and education under the banner Finnish Flow. They are aiming to take Davos by storm with their solutions to everything from the green-energy transition to helping children catch up on their Covid-struck education. In this special edition of ‘The Foreign Desk Explainer’, we hear from five Finnish Flow members, and their messages to the leaders of the world.

In this special episode of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we speak to the descendants of major political figures. What’s it really like to be the child of a head of state? How weird is it when everyone else’s president is your parent? And are the descendants of villains able to move on from their ancestor’s crimes? Andrew Mueller speaks to Josina Machel, Gerald Posner and Nina Khrushcheva.

When the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in the wake of the allied forces’ sudden departure, they assured the world that things would be different this time. This was the Taliban 2.0 after a progression of 20 years. But this week saw the return of the burqa along with hefty consequences for any woman who dares to show her face in public. Andrew Mueller explains.

We all suffer from illness but, for world leaders, it can be a major PR challenge. Can one person’s illness change the course of history? Andrew Mueller speaks to Dr Dan Poulter, Alex von Tunzelmann, Lance Price and Leah J Greene.

Andrew Mueller delves into the world of wartime legends and explains who “the ghost of Kyiv” really is.

As space enthusiasts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 16, we examine how space has been used throughout history as an arena for international co-operation. Andrew Mueller speaks to Nasa’s former chief historian Bill Barry, astronaut manager Christina Korp and veteran Nasa astronaut Nicole Stott.

Almost 30 per cent of the French electorate declined to vote last weekend, while a projected 90 per cent of voters will turn out for Australia’s federal elections later this year. The difference is compulsory voting.

On St George’s Day, we discuss the complexities of Englishness. What does it mean to be English, as opposed to British? Why are so many on the left hesitant to embrace the national flag and how has this shaped the country’s politics? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ailsa Henderson, Christy Evans, Tariq Modood and Billy Bragg.

The far-right conspiracy website, headed by radio host Alex Jones, has filed for bankruptcy following defamation lawsuits. Andrew Mueller explains the effect of Jones’s fake-news empire and asks whether its legacy can be so easily quelled.