The Foreign Desk

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has pledged to ‘run’ Venezuela after US forces captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Is this the beginning of a tripolar world between the US, China and Russia? And should Greenland, Cuba and Colombia be on edge?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most notable world events that we explained in 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller reflects on some of his favourite, and most impactful, conversations from the year on 'The Foreign Desk'

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel look back at the world events that shaped 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lithuania has been beleaguered by balloons drifting into its airspace from neighbouring Belarus. What are the military advantages of this seemingly whimsical mode of transportation? And how severe is the threat? Andrew Mueller explains. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation’s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benin has become the latest West African state to face a coup. Andrew Mueller explains how the region’s history of upheavals gave president Patrice Talon the tools to stop the attempt. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year on from the spectacular toppling of the Assad regime, has the Syrian revolution achieved its aims? How well is President al-Sharaa governing and remaking his image? Will global intervention help or hurt the state?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-styled US “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth is facing criticism for striking boats off the coast of Venezuela, killing more than 80 people. But will there be any consequences?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.