Sasha Issenberg
Hope, still
Barack Obama may not have brought about as much change as promised, but he himself has changed. He has learnt he will have to fight dirty to get things done.
Recognise us yet?
Only a third of countries have acknowledged Kosovo, and the young state has no UN seat. Forbidden from international football matches, in its capital, Pristina, they have a plan for recognition.
Post modern
Like other state-owned mail services, Swiss Post is under pressure from private-sector competition and the internet, but it is not running scared. The firm is transforming itself into a media and technology brand.
Americas
Ahead of the Copenhagen summit, diplomats unite to rally American support for tougher environmental policy. Plus, Brazil's ambitious rail plans and population changes in North Dakota and Florida.
City-off
This year, two major summits—the G-20 and the COP15 Climate Conference—aim to achieve world-changing goals. Monocle visits Pittsburgh and Copenhagen to see what the host cities have planned.
Americas
Colombian president Álvaro Uribe’s motorcade. Plus, the US launches its first national tourism organisation, Uruguay gears up for elections and São Paulo’s drivers get a respite from traffic jams.
The Lusophone Games
The Jogos da Lusofonia may not have the same draw as the Commonwealth Games or attract the corporate sponsorship of the Olympics. But the gathering of the old Portuguese empire showed that no matter…
Full-speed ahead
President Obama is allocating $8bn for high-speed rail, but much of the expertise will have to come from Europe. Monocle joins US transport secretary Ray LaHood on a tour of the continent's train networks.
Korea moves
Despite a shakedown in global property markets, big corporations continue to invest in their favourite cities. In Los Angeles, this means the city's skyline is increasingly being shaped by investment from South Korea.
Full speed ahead
Later this year, Barack Obama's transportation secretary Ray LaHood will begin allocating $8 billion to emerging American train systems, with another $5 billion to come over the next five years - the first time…
