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Soft Power

Page 3

Diplomacy

Affairs: Global

How Abba’s humility has contributed to its soft-power success. Plus: trouble in Nicaragua.

  • Issue #149
  • 5 min read
Stylized holographic illustration of four people arranged in a triangular formation
Soft Power

Pride of place

At a time of year when the emphasis is on giving, some nations can look back on 2021 with more satisfaction than others. We've taken note for Monocle's annual Soft Power Survey.

  • Issue #149
  • 4 min read
Cartoon illustration of a family decorating a Christmas tree together.
Diplomacy

Affairs: Global

Pop great Amr Diab’s value for Egypt’s soft power and the benefits of boring politicians.

  • Issue #148
  • 5 min read
Amr Diab performing on stage with microphone, wearing plaid shirt and waving to audience
Books

Med school

'The Monocle Book of Italy' is our grand tour of the nation's best design, business, food and fashion. Here its editor, Chiara Rimella, holds forth on cataloguing her home nation's best bits.

  • Issue #142
  • 3 min read
Red Mediterranean hotel building with crenellated towers overlooking a pool area with blue and white umbrellas
Soft Power

Neutral beauty

Many countries aim to be like Switzerland, with its stability, affluence and exceptional services. But what does that really mean? For starters, it’s far more than ‘chocolate diplomacy’.

  • Issue #139
  • 5 min read
Two men photographing a cow at an outdoor agricultural show.
Affairs

Austria for beginners

From the world's youngest serving leader to a nuclear plant that never fired up, a crisp guide to understanding modern Austria's politics, peculiarities and quiet global ambitions.

  • Issue #131
  • 6 min read
Collection of black and white illustrated icons representing Austrian culture and politics
Affairs

The big news

With 56 daily editions covering everything from entertainment to politics, the ‘Times of India’ is the world's most widely circulated English newspaper. Monocle goes inside to find out how.

  • The Forecast #10
  • 13 min read
The big news
Society

Japanese lessons

Impeccable service, responsible citizenship and warm hospitality are just some of the practices that make society tick in Japan. Here are 10 things the country can teach the world.

  • Issue #129
  • 5 min read
Japanese lessons
Soft Power

Follow the bear

Fluffy, furry mascots are everywhere in Japan but Kumamon has captured the nation’s imagination like no other. We explore his ‘very’ soft-power potential.

  • Issue #129
  • 10 min read
Kumamon, the black bear mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, stands in a fluorescent-lit office corridor lined with shelves.

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