The Foreign Desk

France has accused Iran of hacking hundreds of supermarket refrigerators, spoiling millions of euros’ worth of food. Is this the new face of hybrid warfare? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Texas to Michigan, Democrats have delivered a stunning midterm rebuke to Donald Trump. What does the electoral upheaval mean for the president, the Republican Party and the future of US politics? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An offhand remark about Mao Zedong has landed Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé in hot water with Beijing. Why has China taken offence so readily and what does it gain from doing so? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defeating an authoritarian strongman at the ballot box is no small feat. So how did Serbian students do it? Did Brazil’s fandoms swing an election? And how was the seemingly immovable Viktor Orbán toppled? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Algeria’s army is venturing beyond its border for the first time in more than 50 years to address conflicts in neighbouring Niger. Why does Niger need the help? And what does Algeria’s revitalised army mean for Africa? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israeli general election is poised to be one of the most consequential in the country's history. Can Netanyahu cobble together another government? What can those in Palestine, Lebanon and beyond expect if he does? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 27 years, the Ottawa Treaty bound international law, banning 165 countries from using anti-personnel mines. Today Russia’s neighbours are abandoning the deal. If the treaty unravels, what is the future of conflict? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As protests bring New Delhi to a standstill, Andrew Mueller hears from Shashi Tharoor, Meenakshi Lekhi and Rahul Bedi about the demonstrations, political discontent and the challenges facing Narendra Modi’s government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded at D’Monde New Delhi in association with Hitachi Energy, CEO Andreas Schierenbeck, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe and Nobel laureate Didier Queloz discuss overcoming resistance and finding fresh perspectives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We report live from New Delhi, where the Cockroach Janta Party is marching in protest against the government. Is the Indian capital under siege? And is this the beginning of the end for the prime minister, Narendra Modi? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Brazilians head back to the polls, can Lula win them back? Where did all these Bolsonaros come from? And: the regional implications if Brazil heads to the right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebel groups across Ethiopia are mobilising again. Is this renewed uprising simply unfinished business at home or are regional powers quietly helping to turn up the heat? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a major war raging on the European continent, there are a few countries that would prefer to be excused. We head to Switzerland, Austria and Ireland to examine what neutrality means today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Javier Milei is rattling Argentina’s old Falklands sabre again. But is this latest legal threat over offshore oil a serious strategy, domestic theatre or merely another chapter in history’s strangest recurring argument? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Israel’s strikes in the south and attempting to disarm Hezbollah, to reinstating services and infrastructure, Lebanon’s government is in a pivotal moment. We hear from three ministers on both the headwinds and hope.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iran-backed Houthis have launched their largest offensive in years, seizing key ports and islands along the Bab al-Mandab strait. What sway will this give Iran over the global economy and ending the war? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Arab Emirates’ pitch has always been: you are safe here. This year, that changed. We go to Dubai to examine how the UAE prepared for conflict and its plans for peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a joint memorandum declaring that Westminster’s time is “coming to an end”. But is there a clear path to independence? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt tweaked a nerve in Germany and across Europe. We examine how it won, its leaders’ plans and the media’s role in the rise of the far right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explainer 534: Jamaica’s government is seeking legal guidance from King Charles on receiving reparations. What issues lie at the heart of this request? And how is London likely to respond? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, Norway. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Arancha González Laya, Tinne Van der Straeten, Stephen Bull and Steffen Syvertsen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite its troubled history, nuclear energy is back on the agenda across the globe. Could it be our saviour? And what are the strategic risks for nations that aren’t keeping up with the energy renaissance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colonel-General Ratko Mladić died last week in prison in the Netherlands. Serbia has a complicated relationship with the disgraced war criminal, with many calling for a state funeral. What will his legacy be?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months into the US’s war with Iran, is any kind of military victory possible? Or is the Strait of Hormuz the US’s Suez? Rear admiral Mark Montgomery, Bloomberg’s Dina Esfandiary and historian Stephen Wertheim discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a warm reception between Donald Trump and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. What stands to be gained for both sides? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.