Politics
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Outside influence
US voters are often seen as oblivious to the world. Yet war, immigration and a globalised economy mean foreign affairs will play a bigger part in the 2008 election than ever before.
Power struggle
Sakhalin, in Russia’s far east, is a short hop from Japan, its former ruler. Marooned during the Soviet era, the region has seen little investment or spoils from its own huge oil reserves.
Americas
The 2008 Democratic primary is hotting up, with Obama, Clinton and Edwards battling for votes. This year, their appearance is being dissected by an image-obsessed media and public more than ever before.
Asia
Imagine walking into a room bursting with not-yet-released products, from bath oils and bottled water to exercise machines and lipsticks. Now imagine being told to help yourself.
Africa/Middle East
Quick quiz question. Which part of France has the highest birth rate? Paris? Bordeaux? Marseille? The answer lies further south. Some 5,000 miles further south.
State of despair
In Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, life expectancy has plummeted to 34 for women. With rampant inflation, critical shortages of food and fuel, and endemic corruption, the nation faces a desperate future ahead of planned elections.
Art of news
Amos Schocken, publisher of Israel’s influential newspaper Haaretz, remains true to his family’s liberal ethos, unafraid to report fairly on Palestinian issues. Its circulation has been boosted by a growing online readership.
Early warning
From airport misery to warring neighbours, Monocle looks at the organisations, countries and people destined to hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in 2008.
King for a day
Four years after joining the EU, Slovenia takes on the rotating presidency in 2008. For a country of two million, it's a massive challenge that Prime Minister Janez Janša believes they can meet.
