The Foreign Desk

Afleveringen

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  The Democrats’ warring factions: Each have won battles but who will win the war? 15.08.2026 32min

  The Democrats’ centrist and progressive wings have each claimed victories in the primary cycle. Is the Democratic Party on the verge of re-assembling its circular firing squad? And who will win in November?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 530: Who even is Russia’s anti-war party? 12.08.2026 7min

  Russia’s Supreme Court has barred the country’s only anti-war party from standing in parliamentary “elections”. Does the ban reflect an uptick in anti-war support or Putin’s ever-tightening grip on power?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Ceuta border crisis: Who’s really threatening Schengen? 08.08.2026 31min

  The migration crisis in Ceuta sparked a fierce response across Europe. Does it expose a genuine threat to the border-free Schengen zone or are governments using the surge for political gain? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 529: What’s driving Morocco’s Trump highway? 05.08.2026 7min

  Morocco confirmed this week that it has named a major highway in Western Sahara after US president Donald Trump. But what’s the strategy behind awarding Trump a personal stake in the disputed territory? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  CTRL + ALT + RIGHT: Has technofascism taken over Silicon Valley? 01.08.2026 42min

  Thirty years ago, it was assumed that the internet would be an engine of liberal democracy. Now, Silicon Valley’s massive wealth is embracing power and promoting right-wing ideology. How did we get here?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 528: Does India’s Cockroach party have legs? 29.07.2026 6min

  India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party is scuttling onto the political stage. It has already claimed one minister’s resignation but can continued protests force the government to give up more ground?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How can we ensure that the politics of heatwaves doesn’t cool off? 25.07.2026 32min

  As Canada battles wildfires, Spain declares a national climate emergency and France evacuates tens of thousands, where do the politics around climate change stand? Is denialism gaining traction or is diplomacy winning the day?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 527: Andy Burnham and the revolving door of UK politics 22.07.2026 7min

  Andy Burnham became the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years this week. Why has Britain adopted Italian-style political turbulence and is it here to stay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  When politics kicks off at the World Cup: what separates the screamers from the own goals? 18.07.2026 35min

  The World Cup has always been political, including previous editions hosted by juntas and dictatorships. This year, presidents thumbed the scale and small nations made us dream again. Who scored and who was caught offside?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 526: Why Japan has been spooked into launching an intelligence service 15.07.2026 6min

  Japan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Powering Purpose in London 14.07.2026 26min

  A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at Midori House in London. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Gerhard Salge, Olga Rosca and Richard Nugee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The scramble for critical minerals 11.07.2026 34min

  As the global competition for minerals intensifies, we consider the geopolitics at play. How did China emerge as a dominant force? And will the DRC ever benefit from its own resources?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 525: You can’t keep a Le Pen down  08.07.2026 7min

  Far-right French firebrand Marine Le Pen’s sentence for embezzlement was reduced this week, allowing her to stand in next year’s presidential election. But will the conviction hinder or help her campaign? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Does the US still have a free press?  04.07.2026 37min

  As the US marks 250 years, is one of the pillars of its democracy, a free press, under threat? Guests including White House correspondent Maggie Haberman discuss the current administration’s relationship with the media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 524: Why is Marco Rubio trying to unify Libya?  01.07.2026 6min

  This week Marco Rubio hosted the latest round of talks between rival Libyan factions in an attempt to unify the country. But what’s in it for the US secretary of state? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Live from Almedalen 2026: The state of Swedish politics 27.06.2026 40min

  Monocle reports from Almedalen Week, the annual political summit on the island of Gotland. We assess the state of Swedish politics in an election year, with guests including minister for gender equality Nina Larsson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 523: Flight of the White Eagle 25.06.2026 6min

  Poland has been one of Ukraine’s biggest allies since the full-scale invasion by Russia. But will that continue after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial tribute?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  ‘El juego bonito’: Can the beautiful game help Mexico win off the pitch? 21.06.2026 31min

  Mexico has made a promising start on the pitch but what other victories is the nation eyeing up? Andrew Mueller is joined by former ambassador to the US Arturo Sarukhán, among others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Explainer 522: The World Cup seat France won’t fill 17.06.2026 8min

  While Fifa faces reports of unsold tickets, one seat at France’s World Cup matches is being deliberately left empty. But why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Live from Odesa: Ukraine’s journey from needing help to providing it 13.06.2026 37min

  Live from the Black Sea Security Forum, we hear from Ukrainian MPs on the country’s future and the state of warfare. As Ukraine fights on, it has shifted from needing aid to providing new intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.