Soft Power
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Observation
The laptop ambassador may be a moneysaving concept but it will always be trumped by a diplomat with a budget and an embassy, says Tyler Brûlé.
Police Academy
Deep in Colombia's jungle, SAS-trained commandos drill Latin America's toughest recruits in guerrilla tactics, hunting cartels and forging discipline — one gruelling push-up at a time.
Fighting talk
Al Jazeera became the must-watch news channel for unrest in the Middle East. But it is also a potent soft power weapon for its owner, the Emir of Qatar. Monocle visits its Doha HQ.
Africa/Middle East
Our column from Pretoria looks at how South Africa is manoeuvering itself into a world-power position. Plus elections in Seychelles, educating ultra-orthodox children in Israel and demanding change in Lebanon.
The new soft sell
Which countries get their way without resorting to military might? We name the top 25 nations in the inaugural Monocle and Institute for Government Soft Power Survey.
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?
