As the war in Iran enters its second month, is victory for anyone still possible?
04/04/2026 | 28min
Iran’s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 511: Why is Germany telling Syrians to return home?
01/04/2026 | 7min
At a joint press conference this week, chancellor Friedrich Merz and president Ahmed al-Sharaa encouraged Syrians to return home. But who benefits from the plan? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?
28/03/2026 | 33min
Israel has invaded Lebanon, again. With more than 1,000 people killed and 1.2 million displaced, many fear a return to civil war. What does Israel want from this? Does Lebanon have any options? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Explainer 510: From Angola with love: are there Russian spies in southern Africa?
25/03/2026 | 6min
This week two Russians are on trial in Angola, accused of espionage. Has the southern African nation been infiltrated by foreign spies or are they scapegoats for a failing government? Andrew Mueller explains.
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The war in Iran: the global fallout
21/03/2026 | 35min
The consequences of the US-Israel war in Iran are rippling around the world. Can Volodymyr Zelensky retain focus on the war in Ukraine? Will an already fragile Nato splinter? Is this the end of rules-based order?
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Presented by Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features expert guests and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.