Alexis Self
Monocle’s Quality of Life survey 2024: The 20 best places to live
Much of what defines a city’s quality of life can’t be quantified. We take a wider look to rank this year’s 20 best places to live.

As the far-right ascends across the continent, what lies ahead for this travelling circus?
Twelve times a year, thousands of parliamentarians and their staff journey to the Alsatian seat of the European Parliament for four days of deliberation.

Why stamps are sticking around and still used as a soft-power pusher in the post
Although unassuming, postage stamps can tell a story about a nation’s identity. Here are some of our favourites.

New US legislation aimed at reducing social media addiction
Alexis Self on the brave souls determined to break children’s digital fixations. Ready for the fight?

Compagnies républicaines de sécurité 8 – the mobile police unit countering urban violence
A new contingent of French riot police is armed, trained and controversial. Will they be called on when the Olympics roll into town?

Pushing the boundary
Tied both historically and economically to Russia and China, democratic Mongolia is navigating tricky terrain as it looks West.
