The Foreign Desk

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 state. Andrew Mueller tries to explain his rationale.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.