The Foreign Desk

In Montréal at the end of last month, Canada’s foreign minister Chrystia Freeland and the EU’s commissioner of foreign affairs Federica Mogherini co-hosted a meeting of the world’s women foreign ministers – the first meeting of its kind to have been held for 20 years. Monocle’s Toronto bureau chief, Tomos Lewis, reports.

Canada will shortly become the next of only a handful of countries to legalise recreational marijuana. How will this affect the illegal drug traders who remain untouchable to the governments trying to stop them? Andrew Mueller is joined by Misha Glenny, Lizzie Porter and Jodie Emery.

After more than 30 years the naming dispute between Macedonia and Greece could finally be over. But, as Monocle’s news editor Peter Firth explains, the final hurdle – a referendum this weekend – could send the whole process back to the start.

Advances in military technology pose profound questions of morality and law – as well as opportunity on the battlefield. But what happens when (and the time is not far off) weapons can think for themselves? Andrew Mueller is joined by former fighter pilot Missy Cummings, philosopher of technology Peter Asaro and former US General John R Allen.

Five people were killed after three men dressed as mariachi musicians started shooting in a busy tourist area in Mexico City. The capital has largely escaped the violence of other regions but is this changing? And will president-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador be able to bring the spike in violent crime rates under control?

The lead-up to next month’s elections has been nothing short of extraordinary, even by Brazilian standards. But the results should not be overlooked given that the victor will take charge of South America’s biggest economy. Who will win – and can they clean up Brazil’s politics?

This week, MEPs voted in favour of unprecedented disciplinary action against Hungary over alleged breaches of the EU's core values. Prime minister Viktor Orban has been accused of attacking the media and refusing refugees, as well as promoting anti-Semitism and the death penalty. So what are the EU’s options – and what are the risks of implementing them?

Among the ever-increasing number of things that weren’t really considered during the run up to the Brexit vote was what would happen to Britain’s 14 overseas territories. For some it might pose some minor inconveniences but for others it could cut off vital trade and travel routes – or even lead to conflict.

Can a rail link connecting North and South Korea help ease tensions between the countries? And, if so, why isn’t it being allowed to go ahead? Monocle’s Asia editor at large Kenji Hall explains.

Previously a red line at the negotiating table, the idea of a land swap between Serbia and Kosovo is now being touted by both countries’ leaders. However, the idea hasn't been received well by the international community – or even by many of those living in the disputed regions.