Soft Power
Page 6
Louder than bombs
US armed forces have a secret weapon: a jazz band that knows how to take a nation by storm.
Time to reboot?
With political turmoil unexpectedly yielding stable economic conditions, Italy is a land of nothing if not confusion.
Diplomacy
Why the Swiss ambassador to the EU is the man of the moment. Plus: Brazil's embassy in North Korea and the Czechs' man in Vietnam pulls a pint.
Consuls and carols
Diplomacy requires proficient hosting, especially during Christmas. We visit the festive residences of the Czech, Danish and Italian ambassadors to discover the importance of time-old traditions and a talented, patriotic chef.
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.
Power play
Monocle’s annual Soft Power Survey charts the strengths and weaknesses of national brands and the changing landscape of cultural influence. How do the hard truths of politics affect nations’ softer sides?
Maple leaf empire
Canada exports more than just goodwill and maple syrup. From peacekeeping troops to submarines and lentils, this vast and varied country makes its mark in the most unlikeliest of places.
Far and wide
From peacekeeping in the Solomon Islands to scientific work at the South Pole, Australia’s worldwide reach is greater than you might think. We’ve been on a global tour to discover where Aussies rule.
Bucking the trend
Expats, politics and culture: our essays illustrate the nature of the country they concern. Read on to find out what makes Australia a harmonious land of contradictions.
Mucho gusto: Instituto Cervantes
Spain is doing an eloquent job of selling itself around the world by using its language to introduce people to its customs. We meet the Madrid and Tokyo branches of the Instituto Cervantes.
