Culture / Music
Monocolumn
Friday 11 June
The soft power of Country & Western
It would not instantly occur to many that country music might be a useful component of an American hearts and minds campaign in the Middle East.
- 1964 results for countries
Affairs / Soft Power
Soft Power Survey - 2012
Monocle's third annual Soft Power Survey is an attempt to push the debate on where soft power comes from and how to use it. With current shifts in the global power balance, never has it been more relevant.
Affairs / Politics
Bids for freedom
At any time in history there are countries on the way in or out – breakaway states eager for independence or now clamouring to be reassimilated into their former motherlands. This is the current crop of nations in waiting…
Affairs / Government
People in power
How do you run a village - or a nation? Do you need to be skilled at consensus politics - or a bit of tyrant? Do you need a BlackBerry - or a chargé d'affaires? Monocle spent a month meeting global leaders at every level…
Design / Architecture
In a small country
The tiny prinicipality of Liechtenstein had big ideas for the design of its parliament building. The result is a perfect blend of stateliness and charm.
Affairs / Management
Country codes
On a map in the mind’s eye, Spain would be a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours while Poland would be various shades of grey. Brand pioneer Wally Olins gives an insight into how nation branding works and why every country…
Affairs / Government
Monocolumn
Sunday 6 December
Swedish out, Russian in?
Today, Finland celebrates its independence from Russia in 1917. As every year, this patriotic people will light blue and white candles, toast the nation with sparkling wine, and gather in front of the TV to follow the…
Affairs / Government
Monocolumn
Wednesday 13 June
Every EU country bends the rules
Every club needs rules and the European Union is no exception. It has quite a few, in fact.
Affairs / Crime
Monocolumn
Thursday 13 October
Face to face with ETA
When the Basque separatist group ETA announced a permanent ceasefire in January, Spaniards were understandably wary.
Business / Industry
Monocolumn
Wednesday 26 May
Controversy in cowboy country
On the face of it, it is just an auction of 35 horses in a small Western town.
Edits / Food & Drink
Monocolumn
Thursday 7 June
Countries should do more to promote cuisine
How many Finnish restaurants do you know?
Affairs / Government
Monocolumn
Friday 20 November
Let’s get this country started
This time last year Iceland was reeling from an economic collapse of unprecedented proportions.
Affairs / Government
Monocolumn
Saturday 16 January
Disillusion in Ukraine as country heads to the polls
For the past few days, Ukraine has been flooded with rabid accusations of fraud, votes for sale and Russian stoogery.
End Point / Magazines
Observation
As spring warms the terraces of Midori House, our editor in chief Tyler Brûlé considers what elements create the perfect sunny spot and looks forward to making this summer the best ever for magazine, radio and barbecue…
Affairs / Aviation
Monocolumn
Wednesday 22 February
National airlines are a country’s brand to the world
On Monday a group of colleagues returned from Budapest – giddy after a weekend of goulash, thermal bathing and cocktailing with Monocle subscribers and collaborators.
Affairs / Diplomacy
Monocolumn
Friday 17 December
Change for the world’s second least populous country
Outside of Vatican City, Niue is the world’s least populous country, a self-governing Pacific nation with a headcount comparable to that of a large high school.
Affairs / Books
Monocolumn
Sunday 12 June
Quality of life series – Turning a page in Faulkner country
Around one in five adults in Mississippi will not be able to read this column. The poorest state in America, Mississippi also has the country’s lowest literacy rates, a historic problem within its educational system that…
Affairs / Emerging Markets
Northern exposure
The Chinese city of Harbin is quickly establishing itself as a regional power, bringing in investment and cashing in on its food and fashion. Although it’s still a long way off Shanghai, it’s proving that it’s far from grim…
Affairs / Soft Power
Voice of a nation
Singer Nana Mouskouri is now retired but her songs remain inseparable from Greek culture. She’s a staunch nationalist, having lived through Greece’s transition to a democracy, and is determined that her proud country will…