Soft Power
Page 12
Voice of a nation
Though retired, singer Nana Mouskouri’s songs remain inseparable from Greek culture. A staunch nationalist who lived through Greece’s democratic transition, she is determined her proud country will recover from its financial crisis.
Give and take
Once an aid recipient, South Korea has become a manufacturing powerhouse and donor. As the G20 summit opens in Seoul, is it giving enough and for the right reasons?
The leader
The UK’s reputation has lost its lustre. Time for Lady Britannia to brush herself down, get out there and show off her assets – but what exactly are they?
Rebrand Britain
Great Britain's image has been damaged in recent years. With a new government and the Olympics on the horizon, experts from politics, culture, and academia discuss how Britannia can rebrand itself once more.
Eat and be wary
Across Southeast Asia is a chain of restaurants where doll-like North Korean waitresses sing to diners. Is it a benign culinary business foray or something altogether more sinister?
Acting funny
Big-league comedian and film director Takeshi “Beat” Kitano emerged from working-class roots to fame with his TV programmes and gangster films. This year, he has published his autobiography.
French revision
Napoleon sold off Louisiana in 1803 but the French government is promoting Gallic culture in the former colonial state, funding a new school and getting Paris headlines on local radio stations.
Ministry of sun
A fast-expanding embassy network and clever use of its culture mean Brazil is making friends globally. Is this a bid for a UN Security Council seat or an attempt to change the world order?
Rubber soled tiger
Brazil has natural assets – a sunny disposition, a carnival attitude – that are peculiarly unquantifiable. As Monocle discovered, the next 10 years might just be the country's best decade yet.
