For Monocle’s 100th issue our editors and correspondents have focused on issues of security, superior urbanism, the importance of being multilingual and why it’s good to move on – especially if you’re a big outfit like Nato. At the same time they’re also busying themselves with a redesign and editorial refresh in time for issue 101.

The battle to take back the Iraqi city of Mosul from Isis has brought a wave of journalists to Erbil. With the combat zone just a taxi ride away, war has brought a new frontline economy to the Kurdish city.

With Isis in retreat and the political and military situation in the Middle East more fluid than it has been for years, we asked leading experts what the future holds for the region – and terrorist-targeted capitals.

Tactical task forces, state surveillance, shapely security measures hidden in plain sight: we find out how officials in Mexico, Israel and the UK are working to make their cities safer, from the heavy-handed to the out-of-view.

With increased violence and worsening segregation in her city, the past two years have not been easy for Karin Wanngård. But the mayor of Stockholm is leading the charge against crime and inequality – and shows no signs of giving in.

Norway's digital radio, Italy's privatised railways and the far-right in Germany.

Quebec's City pitbull ban, Guatemala's man of the people, the rise of feminism in Argentina and election in Ecuador.

Cyber security in China, flower power in the Cook Islands, kipping in Kyoto, taking off down under and holding on to power in Turkmenistan.

Algeria's retirement plan, hot to stimulate growth in Botswana, building schools in Nairobi and Tangier's revival.

Moscow's changing streets and getting back to nature in Los Angeles.

China is testing the waters while the US is getting ready for pilot-free helicopters.

Australia's ambassador to France on the two nations' alliance, plus Athens' Gropius gem and border control in Canada.

President Mauricio Macri started on the right foot simply by not being Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. A year on he’s still got credit in the bank but only the metaphorical one; can he now rescue the economy?

From an iconic US brand to Dutch teaching that’s second to ‘nun’, we present our guide to multilingualism.

Is Lycra on your shopping list? The Swiss have one of the healthiest lifestyles in Europe – and the blueprint for their wellbeing has been laid down by two supermarket chains that are now the country’s top fitness providers.

Denim done well in Norway, smart bites in China and staying sweet in New Zealand.

Yamato Transport is the largest parcel-delivery service in Japan – but it’s also so much more. Its president, Yutaka Nagao, tells us that understanding his customers’ needs is why the brand has stayed on the right track.

Indonesia may be known for its shopping-mall culture but a growing number of businesses are choosing new ways to reach consumers. We visit five innovative entrepreneurs thinking outside the air-conditioned box.

In a world of sliding newspaper sales, Rome daily ‘La Repubblica’ offers a beacon of hope for printed media.

As founders of film distributor Dogwoof, Anna Godas and Andy Whittaker transformed what audiences expect from documentaries. With a keen eye for factual thrills, they’ve now turned to production to seek out the next real-life drama.

Art can prove a difficult topic of conversation even for the most formidable minds. But when artist-cum-critic David Salle and author Francine Prose get together they make it look effortless. Coincidence? We think not.

Matters of national and international security are best left to the professionals. But who are they and where do they get their intelligence? From fact to fiction, we reveal our sources.

Page-turners and top tunes for the new year.

Experimental television and large-format print.

A Los Angeles aucion and a London fair.

Not long ago, urban-planners seemed to have solutions for most of the problems of city living. But something no one predicted was that ease of life could make for less active, less healthy populations. Now a new kind of design and architecture is putting citizens’ wellbeing at its heart and transforming cities once again.

Ishinomaki Laboratory rose from the rubble of the earthquake that struck Japan six years ago. Here’s how the furniture workshop helped to rebuild the community, stool by stool, and went on to become a thriving business.

If you’ve ever skied, skated or hiked, perhaps your shoes were born in a small town just north of Venice. We head to Montebelluna to meet the designers and producers who always put their best foot forward.

The Oscar Niemeyer-designed JK Building is the tallest, most populous high-rise in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, home to thousands across two blocks. Thanks to an open-plan design and an eclectic mix of residents, it’s also a city icon.

Gert Voorjans turns his talents to domestic interiors, plus a look at what design can achieve in the coming year.

Getting into gear with lines from two winter-sports athletes, plus Zegna's new London flagship.

Don’t drop the ball when it comes to fashion and fitness: with the right clothes even working up a sweat can look good. From sharp tennis shorts to a streamlined swimsuit, these sporty numbers have got you covered. Now, who’s ready for a drink at the club?

We present a premier selection of porcelain, ceramics, fine brews and eco-friendly footwear.

We splash out in a Bay Area onsen, taste first-class fare at Paris’s foremost railway terminal and take the opportunity to recline in Norway and Portugal. Plus: a word with the GM of New York’s most anticipated hotel opening.

A first look at this smart new Singaporean stopover.

Train stations are often seen as halfway houses – gateways to a city or state. But thanks to the clutch of shops, restaurants and bars beneath its arches, Nakameguro Station in Tokyo is a buzzing destination in itself.

A recent housing boom in the bohemian neighbourhood of Polanquito has opened it up to a lively new crowd.

This month we stop off for a hearty breakfast in LA, nibble on goat’s cheese in Slovenia and cured meat in Colorado, sip a frothy coffee in Zürich and get fruity in Amsterdam’s new botanical-themed bar.

Analiese Gregory – part-time pasta-maker turned head chef – runs a restaurant and wine bar that has all the ingredients of an Aussie classic.

A sit-down with the lauded modernist architect to discuss growing up in a kibbutz and why breaking bread is a thing of beauty.

Our editor in chief reflects on the past 10 years and shares a snippet of what’s to come.

Critics might see Nato’s crumbling headquarters as indicative of the plight of the alliance. But as we discover, ambitions and excitement are still coursing through the corridors as the organisation prepares for its big move.