The Foreign Desk

President Trump has achieved what numerous other world leaders have failed to secure: a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. So is there actually merit in his unorthodox approach to diplomacy?

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President Andry Rajoelina flees as Madagascar’s youth follow the example of protestors in Morocco, Nepal and Sri Lanka, among others. But why are Gen Z taking to the streets across the world? Andrew Mueller explains.

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After two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed terms of a ceasefire. But was this the only possible path? What were the other options open to Israel since 7 October?

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While neither nation is famed for their military might, the mutual defence treaty signed this week by Australia and Papua New Guinea has some strategic benefits for both. Andrew Mueller explains. 

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Last Sunday’s parliamentary election was one of existential stakes for Moldova and considerable concern for Europe. But will the newly elected, pro-EU PAS keep Russian influence at bay?

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Following India’s recent victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, handshakes were absent and India refused to accept the trophy. Andrew Mueller plots the course of these nations’ geopolitical tensions on the cricket field. 

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The size, power and appetite for misinformation of the largest social media platforms is undeniable. But how real is the national security threat? And what can be done about it? We hear from MP Christine Jardine and others.

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Ten countries recognised Palestine this week, including the UK, France and Canada. Why now? Andrew Mueller examines the geopolitical and domestic reasons behind the shift.  

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In democracies, it is an article of faith that nobody – not even the national leader – is above the law. As with most articles of faith, expedient exceptions are made. What impact does accountability have?

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As information about Charlie Kirk’s killer slowly begins to emerge, the Republican Party’s response has been far more prompt. Andrew Mueller assesses the fallout.  

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Following President Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and Washington, cities across the US are bracing themselves. What is he trying to accomplish? And how can a city mayor prepare for it?

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As many as 22 people are dead and hundreds injured in Nepal during riots against corruption and a social media ban. But is the government’s ruling as pure-hearted as they want it to appear? 

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As the right engages in fearmongering and the left struggles with coherent messaging, can immigration be reformed? Is shutting the door effective? And how does anyone win against those who want to shut it?

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There has been an uptick in St George’s flags festooned on buildings and spray-painted over road signs in England. But why, despite right-wing associations, is Labour endorsing the practice?

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The US Navy sets sail for Venezuela. What does president Trump hope to accomplish with this gunboat diplomacy? How has president Maduro clung to power and will the US ever leave South America alone?

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For the first time ever, Australia has expelled an ambassador. But why is Iran’s Ahmad Sadeghi packing his bags and what does it have to do with antisemitic attacks?

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As president Trump’s isolationist leanings become US foreign policy, is the era of the American hegemony over? Did the US lead us somewhere worthwhile? And if the US recedes, who steps up?

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Myanmar’s military, which has held power since 2021, has announced a general election for later this year. Has Myanmar suddenly become a democracy? Or is something else afoot? 

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Israel was once regarded as an essentially left-wing project. Now, the country has grown more conservative, defensive and, some would argue, extreme. Is a liberal Israel recoverable? And might that lead to peace?

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The Balochistan Liberation Army has been reclassified by the US as a “foreign terrorist organization”. But why the sudden interest in a Pakistani bête noire?

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Political leaders around the world face waning popularity and seem to be unable to change their fates. Is this the result of less effective leaders or more impatient electorates?

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Jair Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest after breaking pre-trial rules this week as he faces charges for attempting to stage a coup. But why is Trump throwing his support behind Brazil’s former president?

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International pressure mounts on Israel to end its war in Gaza, which has been dubbed a “catastrophe of epic proportions” by the UN. Plus: we examine the prospect of a Palestinian state.

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This week, militants attached to Islamic State attacked a church in Komanda, killing at least 43 people. Why is the jihadist group keen to establish itself in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

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Cameroon’s 92 year-old president Paul Biya seeks re-election to extend his 43-year tenure. We investigate the long and often violent conflict in his country. Is Anglo-Franco reconciliation possible? And is anyone paying attention?

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Andrew Mueller examines the fatal clashes between Druze and Bedouin Syrians.

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A Lesotho MP is facing charges after accusing the country’s monarch of signing over land to its neighbour, South Africa. Andrew Mueller explains the history and prospects of this decidedly niche territorial dispute. 

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From drones to radios, the war in Ukraine has rapidly accelerated technical development. In this fast-evolving landscape, what does the future of warfare hold and will humans have a role on the battlefield?

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Recent Filipino elections were, arguably, a political episode of family feud. We examine the creation and durability of political dynasties. Plus: a banned would-be Thai leader explains how to run against a prime minister.

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Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why. 

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As last year’s rapid descent of Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad attests, when a dictator falls, they fall fast. But what are the conditions under which that fall occurs? And how can they be sparked?

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Andrew Mueller explains the relocation ballot being offered to Tuvaluans by Australia and what’s in it for the host nation.

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 Despite Trump’s assertions, the state of play between Israel and Iran remains unclear. We’re joined by Arash Azizi, Tara Kangarlou and Tom Nichols to consider the possible consequences of the past 12 days.

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Andrew Mueller explains the leaked phone call scandalising Thailand in its ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. 

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Reporting from the Globsec Forum in Prague, we hear from guests including the host country’s foreign minister and Georgia’s president to discern how their countries are adapting to today’s security, military and political threats.

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Andrew Mueller explains how the rivalry between the late and former president, Edgar Lungu, and the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, is going well beyond the grave. 

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Reporting from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Andrew Mueller talks to leaders – domestic and international – about why Ukraine’s struggle for survival matters around the globe.

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(Some) Italians headed to the polls this week to decide who gets to be one of them. Andrew Mueller explains what’s at the heart of this debate and why apathy might have won the day.

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Andrew Mueller reports from the Black Sea Security Forum, asking why Odesa matters beyond Ukraine’s borders and how Ukrainians have managed to keep fighting more than three years into Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion.

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Andrew Mueller unpacks the latest round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran, asks why Trump is now eager after rejecting the previous deal and why Iran has fewer cards to play than in the Obama years.

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