The Foreign Desk

A major security breach unfolds as a journalist is accidentally added to a military planning chat. This incident raises serious questions about communication protocols among U.S. officials. The discussion reveals how carelessly sensitive topics are handled by those in power. The implications for national security are concerning, showcasing the need for tighter controls and awareness.

Hannah Lucinda Smith, Monocle’s Istanbul correspondent, shares firsthand insights from her visit to Syria post-Assad, capturing the mixed feelings among civilians. Zaina Erhaim, a Syrian journalist, highlights the plight of women and ordinary citizens as they navigate this new landscape. Faysal Itani, Senior Director at the New Lines Institute, connects the geopolitical future of Syria with its neighbors, shedding light on the complex web of regional dynamics. Together, they explore hope amid uncertainty and the urgent need for unity in a fragmented nation.

Following Rwanda’s expulsion of Belgium’s diplomats this week, Andrew Mueller explains the European nation’s troubled history of involvement in Rwanda and the DRC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Foreign Desk’ speaks to leaders from Nato’s Baltic members about the vexing, existential questions they face: what happens if Russia strikes one of them? Is Nato’s Article 5 the unassailable security that it used to be? Is it worthwhile to keep telling Western Europe “we told you so”?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has been arrested and sent to The Hague, where he will face charges for crimes against humanity. Andrew Mueller explains the former president’s bloody ‘war on drugs’ and its marked popularity with voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is clear by now that Donald Trump’s second administration will not be a rerun of the first. Why has the United States tilted away from Europe? Is there any method to the apparent madness? And how should Europe adjust? Leaders from the CIA, Nato and the US military join ‘The Foreign Desk’ to sift through the US’s new reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What shape will the war in Ukraine take now that president Trump has paused all military aid? Andrew Mueller unpacks the nation’s prospects following Friday’s showdown in the Oval Office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this discussion, Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, confronts the looming threat of Russian influence amid her country’s political turmoil. She shares insights from the Munich Security Conference and the resilience of her people fighting for democratic reforms. Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, highlights the oppressive grip of Moscow on Belarus. Together, they explore how neighboring nations can unite against Kremlin aggression, emphasizing the fragile state of regional stability in Eastern Europe.

The discussion dives into Germany's reluctance to provide military aid to Ukraine, driven by deep historical sensitivities. It highlights the cultural hesitations around defense spending linked to past conflicts and the struggle to enhance military capabilities. The podcast also examines the challenges facing the Bundeswehr today, including staffing shortages and the need for policy reform amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Ultimately, it questions whether Germany can overcome its history to become a more robust military player in Europe.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Oleksii Reznikov, former Ukrainian Defense Minister, shares firsthand experiences from the frontline of the Russian invasion. Pål Jonson, Sweden’s defense minister, highlights Sweden's evolving NATO role and the implications of increased military aid to Ukraine. Gabrielius Landsbergus offers insights on European security dynamics and the importance of united strategies against Russian threats. The conversation navigates the emotional landscape of Ukraine, the future of NATO, and the critical need for sustained international support.