Andrew Mueller
Acid test
Portugal's university hazing tradition, praxe, blends gothic pageantry with troubling ritual. Behind the capes and choral singing lies a centuries-old initiation culture carrying genuine psychological — and sometimes fatal — consequences.
The opener
Are we about to call time on famed German efficiency? Don’t worry, these brief bulletins on Brexit and bragging won’t hold you up.
Defence
New subs for Taiwan, the Egyptian navy’s spending spree, and Greece and North Macedonia make up.
Defence
Airbus gets a much-needed military order while Canada’s navy searches for more seamen (and women).
Staying frosty
Without its hardy icebreakers, Finland would come to a frozen standstill. We hop aboard to find out how it’s done.
Defence
How a no-deal Brexit could affect UK security, Nato turns 70 and the US makes some big purchases.
Icebreakers: life on board
Many seamen see icebreaking as a career pinnacle. We peek into the snug cabins, well-kitted kitchen and memorabilia-filled gym to see what serving on icebreaker ‘Kontio’ is really like. You can also catch up…
Defence
Bulgaria beefs up its airforce, Turkey adds to its missile stocks and Greece tightens its coastal security.
Icebreakers: rescue know-how
Finland has obvious natural advantages that have helped it become an icebreaking powerhouse but the country’s dominance in the field is startling. We travel to the Bay of Bothnia to bear witness to the…
Icebreakers at work
Throughout the long Finnish winter, the country’s ports are kept open by a small but determined fleet of icebreakers. Monocle Films hops on board to see how it’s done.
