State of the nation

Belgium: state of the nation

With its liberal and energetic approach to diplomacy, and a growing influence in art and sport, Belgium has plenty to offer on the world stage.

From a thriving economy to potent soft-power credentials, we unpack what keeps Canada on the up.

With a cosmopolitan capital, picturesque countryside and improving – albeit fluctuating – security, Lebanon is on the up.

This east African anchor boasts world-famous writers and athletes but corruption and flawed infrastructure hold it back.

The soft power of the world’s largest country has taken a hit of late. We look at Russia’s ups and downs in our animated nation survey.

In our animated series we assess how the Dutch are performing on the world stage as well as at home.

Who’s in and who’s out in 2017? We survey the top 25 nations who got it right (and wrong) in this most delicate of diplomatic skills.