Society
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The conversation
We’re all guilty of texting instead of calling. But a growing movement is encouraging people to press the off button and brush up their skills in the art of debate and discussion.
Observation
Tyler Brûlé sees parallels between Denmark’s ‘hygge’ and investment – both financial and emotional – in Christmas.
The time is now
It’s time to consider the role of the diplomat and the use of wining and dining in soft power. Plus, our Travel Top 50, a tempting gift guide and plenty of potted plants.
Lashings of schlager
What is ‘schlager’? Our Culture editor, smelling faintly of beer and with party music still ringing in his ears, has emerged from Dortmund’s Grosse Westfalenhalle with the answer. Boom!
Living colour
The city formerly known as ‘Deadmonton’ has been reanimated – and its vital signs are good. With an entrepreneurial spirit that’s as strong as any, it seems the Big E is coming alive.
Beat a retreat
The Canadians’ love of cottage country is more than a lifestyle choice: it’s a way of linking to that vast landscape and being part of the nation.
✕5 Essays
What does it mean to be Canadian? Is it about accepting refugees, global leadership or an imagined idyll? Five native writers shed some light on this ever-evolving and perennially popular country.
City slickers
How does Toronto, one of Canada's noblest urban hubs, compare to its sister city and rival, Chicago? We pitted citizens of both places head to head to find out.
The Dutch paradox
They are considered the most liberal people in Europe – and yet arguably they are among the most right-wing. So now what? With elections looming, Monocle explores a troubling dichotomy.
