The Foreign Desk

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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