The Foreign Desk

Andrew Mueller explains why there have been deadly protests across Bangladesh. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, recorded partially in Washington during the Nato Summit, we take a look at the United States’ willingness and ability to assume its traditional role as leader of the free world in this pivotal era of global democracy. How much should America’s allies be worried? And if the US won’t be democracy’s arsenal any more, who will be?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ohio senator JD Vance has been announced as Donald Trump’s running mate and potential vice-president. Andrew Mueller explains his background and the likely reasons for his nomination. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Foreign Desk’ broadcasts from Washington for Nato’s 75th anniversary summit, with Joe Biden playing host under an intense spotlight. Andrew Mueller speaks to ministers from Estonia, Latvia and Moldova, as well as Ian Bremmer and former US defence official Ian Brzezinski. Plus: the story of Nato’s longest-serving spokesperson, Oana Lungescu.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explains why the West African junta have turned their back on Ecowas and what it means for the bloc.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK sees its first change in government since Brexit. We explore how Keir Starmer will tackle relations with the EU, US and Middle East, as well as asylum policy. Andrew Mueller speaks with Claire Ainsley, Anand Menon, Mina Al-Oraibi and Sarah Singer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explains how the Democratic Party would replace Joe Biden should he choose to step down.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran’s influence is growing across the Middle East, with its proxies now dangerously close to an all-out war with Israel. Could presidential elections or an eventual ayatollah succession lead to a change in course? Andrew Mueller speaks to Iranian-American journalist Farnaz Fassihi of ‘The New York Times’, Iraqi analyst Renad Mansour and defence expert Jean-Loup Samaan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union formally launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova this week. Andrew Mueller explains why the tortuous process that has left many countries in limbo might, nevertheless, be a good thing for these two nations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukraine peace summit did not lead to peace but it did surprise on the upside with more than 90 countries. Andrew Mueller was also in attendance in Switzerland. He reviews the summit’s tangible results and speaks to Australia’s Bill Shorten, as well as Iuliia Osmolovska and Lili Bivings from Ukraine and Kristian Berg Harpviken of the Peace Research Institute Oslo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.