Affairs
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A national birthday is a rare opportunity for the US to put political differences aside – if only people could agree how
The 250th anniversary of the US’s Declaration of Independence is an opportunity for a divided nation to come together. Alas, president Donald Trump has other ideas.
Does Barcelona’s building bonanza bombard everyone’s wellbeing?
The clatter of cranes and major construction projects cuts through the atmosphere of Barcelona. But are we sacrificing today for a distant future?
The Dutch seek to ‘dronify’ their military with lessons from Ukraine
The Dutch armed forces are aiming to become Europe’s most innovative military. The Netherlands’ grand ambitions relies on an expansion of drones and, if the chief of defence has his way, robots too.
Air-con has become the latest front in a culture war – but more hot air is the last thing our overheating cities need
Europe’s cities are woefully underprepared for rising temperatures. To stay competitive and comfortable in a changing world, they need to make bolder choices.
What can be gleaned from Washington’s Reflecting Pool on the week of the US’s 250th birthday?
President Donald Trump invested big to revamp the area around the Lincoln Memorial ahead of the semiquincentennial – but an algae outbreak threatens to ruin his grand designs.
What makes Copenhagen a great city? Its ability to learn from its mistakes
The Danish capital is a regular frontrunner in Monocle’s Quality of Life surveys. But Copenhagen has also made its mistakes. Thankfully, the city continues to learn and grow.
Cities are like theatres, we the actors. What part do you want to play?
Ask not whether your favourite city placed in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey, ask what you can do for your city (and friends).
For all its problematic elements, the Fifa World Cup remains the greatest show on Earth
The politics and the missteps surrounding the Fifa World Cup 2026 are well publicised. But the pure joy and international goodwill that the tournament produces is second to none.
Despite its enormous scale, Tokyo remains a city where good manners thrive
Depending on how you count it, Tokyo is a city of nine million (the central 23 wards), 14 million (Tokyo Metropolis) or 37 million (the Greater Tokyo Area). A densely populated urban area of…
Tyler Brûlé introduces Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life survey on CNN
View the full city ranking here.
