The Foreign Desk

Amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, one thing is clear: Vladimir Putin’s obsession with the former Soviet republic is unlikely to waver. But this concern is nothing new for Russia’s eastern neighbours. How should the West deal with Moscow? And are there any lessons to be learned from its surrounding nations? Andrew Mueller speaks to Paige Reynolds, Latvia’s former foreign minister Sandra Kalniete, former president of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Latvian defence minister Artis Pabriks and Tom Nichols.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explains why truck drivers have been protesting in Ottawa, Canada.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions between Moscow and Nato members are at their highest in years, as Russian troops mass on Ukraine’s border. Do Ukrainians believe a full-scale war is imminent? How are soldiers preparing on the front line? And what would a Russian assault on Ukraine look like? Andrew Mueller speaks to Monocle’s team on the ground in Kyiv, photographer Amos Chapple, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, and former Nato chief General Sir Richard Shirreff.

The government of Australia has just purchased the licence to the Australian Aboriginal flag for AU$20m. To mark Australia Day, Andrew Mueller explains why such a transaction was necessary and how the news has been received.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has manifested in railways, airports, seaports and highways all over the world. What is China’s endgame? How do locals feel about these development projects? And are we witnessing old-fashioned empire building but with Chinese characteristics? Andrew Mueller speaks to Isabel Hilton, Lucinda Elliott, Fiona Ey and Aly-Khan Satchu.

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine tighten, Andrew Mueller reflects on their fickle friendship and speculates on what Putin really wants from the situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkey, once an economic powerhouse, is experiencing a currency meltdown as inflation skyrockets against a backdrop of unorthodox policies. What can we learn from past currency crises? How do people get around hyperinflation woes? And how can governments address it? Andrew Mueller speaks to Hannah Lucinda Smith, Andrew Walker, Marija Tesic Fidelak, Penny Stone and Richard Beattie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UN-sponsored talks are taking place in Sudan after more than 60 people died demonstrating against the most recent coup-d’etat in October. Andrew Mueller explains how far back the unrest extends and ponders whether a resolution can be reached.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​In a rare joint statement issued on Monday, five of the world’s most powerful nations pledged to avoid nuclear war. In this episode of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we examine the doctrine of nuclear deterrence. Does possessing a nuclear deterrent make the world safer? Is a world without atomic weapons even possible? And what’s it like to be the person tasked, if the order to unleash the apocalypse ever did come, with turning the key? Andrew Mueller speaks to Tom Nichols, Margaret MacMillan and Dana Struckman.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year ago on 6 January, a violent mob forced its way past lines of police officers and into the US Capitol building in Washington. As investigators continue to examine exactly what happened that day, many questions remain unanswered. Andrew Mueller shares his take on what we’ve learned since the insurrection.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.