The opener
Sustainable design solutions, scintillating marketing campaigns and cool cigarettes – the latest from around the globe.Letters from the city
Three correspondents from three continents anticipate what 2021 has in store for the cities that they call home.Soft power survey
Our annual survey judges which nations’ soft-power strengths make the grade.
Swiss flair
When it comes to money and diplomacy, Switzerland is an influential global player. But do other aspects of the national brand suit a broader international role? We asked seven of its best about what the future holds.Under the influence
Isolationism has taken the shine off the perception of the US. But its foreign policy remains tightly interwoven with much of the world. As a new president takes office, what do its allies want?New horizon
In Sweden’s far north a revolution is under way that could transform how Europe lights its cities and powers its industries. We take a trip to Norrbotten, where the future is looking green.Going viral
How one Swiss ad agency took up the challenge of raising coronavirus awareness and spread the message throughout the nation.Neutral beauty
Many countries aim to be like Switzerland, with its stability, affluence and exceptional services. But what does that really mean? For starters, it’s far more than ‘chocolate diplomacy’.Crystal ball
With the world in a state of upheaval, forecasting firms are helping to show us the future – but can they?Hot desks
As the world of work becomes more fluid, flexible office space will be in demand. Investor Philippe Peress is betting on a Geneva site that allows firms to scale up or down. Take a seat.Silicon Alps
Switzerland had a reputation for dreaming up ingenious tech ideas but being terrible at exploiting them. Now a clever network is selling Swiss breakthroughs to investors.Culture clash
Although Basel has long laid claim to being Switzerland’s art capital, Zürich has its eyes on the title too. And with a clutch of world-class galleries moving into the latter’s city centre, it increasingly has the creative clout of a contender.Community service
Launched as a culture magazine, ‘Kolt’ now serves the residents of a small Swiss town with a unique, reader-supported approach to local journalism.Refined palette
Swiss chef Andreas Caminada is a connoisseur of fine art as well as food. We sample the works hanging on his restaurants’ walls.Group dynamics
Having established their own community spaces, two artistic initiatives are finding strength in collective endeavour. We meet the people behind a new global arts destination in London and the duo whose converted power station is energising a German city.Redefining rural
Meet the designers giving the rustic charm of the Swiss countryside a smart update.Making your day
Priding itself on producing the most desirable, high-octane treats – from your morning coffee to the linen you sleep in – Switzerland has every minute covered. Here’s how its exports see you through from dusk till dawn.Safe haven
The modernist Swiss embassy in Canberra is a paean to the possibilities that concrete offered its gifted architects.Power trip
There’s a once-in-a-lifetime urban-mobility revolution ahead. Honda is betting on a car made for nippy trips and tight streets. Hop in.Grape delights
A new generation of vignerons in France’s Jura valley are charming (and challenging) international tastes.In good taste
Regional produce, a passion for perfection and a rejection of the latest fads shows how a country can have an enviable culinary culture. We take a tour of the quietly pioneering Swiss food landscape.Stitch in time
We size up the family-run Swiss fabric producer putting a new spin on age-old traditions.
Politics Briefing
Canadian Greens elect a black party leader, populism in Portugal and the race to succeed Angela Merkel.Diplomacy Briefing
Brazil’s Lebanon connection, plus representatives for China and Taiwan clash over cake in Fiji.Defence Briefing
Russia takes an interest in CAR, Denmark’s mission to Greenland and Romania buys missiles.Cities Briefing
A Nairobi park’s transformation, Berlin honours its history and Compton’s living-wage experiment.Business Briefing
Expansion for Italian winery, Dutch firm’s sustainable packages and what’s next for Bolivian business.Art’s on fire
Whatever you might have heard, the creative spark is alive and well. Need convincing? Take a wander through our pick of audial, visual and sensory reasons to be cheerful.Food & Drink Briefing
A Brisbane bistro, a brewer in Sweden and a Kyoto bolthole. Plus, five Swiss wines to start a cellar.
The Monocle shop
Winter is here and thanks to The Monocle Shop it’ll be a season of cheer. We have your seasonal goodies and cold-weather gear sorted, from cashmere cosiness to Monochan-approved gift sets. So load up on presents for your loved ones – and don’t forget to treat yourself too.Let’s party
Buy once and well, that’s our motto. Here are a few picks for the season.
As we prepare to ring in 2021, it’s time to look back and assess which countries are flying high in our annual Soft Power Survey. There’s plenty to take stock of in Monocle’s end-of-year December/January issue: from a range of voices on what’s next for the US, to the power of rural reinvention and the big business of looking forward. We’ve got all your holiday prepping sorted, too, with an inspiring 15-page gift guide – and an extensive run-down of all the books, TV shows and films that will keep you stimulated this winter.
Issue 139
December 2020/January 2021
Editor's letter
At the front
The opener
Sustainable design solutions, scintillating marketing campaigns and cool cigarettes – the latest from around the globe.Letters from the city
Three correspondents from three continents anticipate what 2021 has in store for the cities that they call home.Soft power survey
Our annual survey judges which nations’ soft-power strengths make the grade.
Report
Swiss flair
When it comes to money and diplomacy, Switzerland is an influential global player. But do other aspects of the national brand suit a broader international role? We asked seven of its best about what the future holds.Under the influence
Isolationism has taken the shine off the perception of the US. But its foreign policy remains tightly interwoven with much of the world. As a new president takes office, what do its allies want?New horizon
In Sweden’s far north a revolution is under way that could transform how Europe lights its cities and powers its industries. We take a trip to Norrbotten, where the future is looking green.Going viral
How one Swiss ad agency took up the challenge of raising coronavirus awareness and spread the message throughout the nation.Neutral beauty
Many countries aim to be like Switzerland, with its stability, affluence and exceptional services. But what does that really mean? For starters, it’s far more than ‘chocolate diplomacy’.Crystal ball
With the world in a state of upheaval, forecasting firms are helping to show us the future – but can they?Hot desks
As the world of work becomes more fluid, flexible office space will be in demand. Investor Philippe Peress is betting on a Geneva site that allows firms to scale up or down. Take a seat.Silicon Alps
Switzerland had a reputation for dreaming up ingenious tech ideas but being terrible at exploiting them. Now a clever network is selling Swiss breakthroughs to investors.Culture clash
Although Basel has long laid claim to being Switzerland’s art capital, Zürich has its eyes on the title too. And with a clutch of world-class galleries moving into the latter’s city centre, it increasingly has the creative clout of a contender.Community service
Launched as a culture magazine, ‘Kolt’ now serves the residents of a small Swiss town with a unique, reader-supported approach to local journalism.Refined palette
Swiss chef Andreas Caminada is a connoisseur of fine art as well as food. We sample the works hanging on his restaurants’ walls.Group dynamics
Having established their own community spaces, two artistic initiatives are finding strength in collective endeavour. We meet the people behind a new global arts destination in London and the duo whose converted power station is energising a German city.Redefining rural
Meet the designers giving the rustic charm of the Swiss countryside a smart update.Making your day
Priding itself on producing the most desirable, high-octane treats – from your morning coffee to the linen you sleep in – Switzerland has every minute covered. Here’s how its exports see you through from dusk till dawn.Safe haven
The modernist Swiss embassy in Canberra is a paean to the possibilities that concrete offered its gifted architects.Power trip
There’s a once-in-a-lifetime urban-mobility revolution ahead. Honda is betting on a car made for nippy trips and tight streets. Hop in.Grape delights
A new generation of vignerons in France’s Jura valley are charming (and challenging) international tastes.In good taste
Regional produce, a passion for perfection and a rejection of the latest fads shows how a country can have an enviable culinary culture. We take a tour of the quietly pioneering Swiss food landscape.Stitch in time
We size up the family-run Swiss fabric producer putting a new spin on age-old traditions.
Briefing
Politics Briefing
Canadian Greens elect a black party leader, populism in Portugal and the race to succeed Angela Merkel.Diplomacy Briefing
Brazil’s Lebanon connection, plus representatives for China and Taiwan clash over cake in Fiji.Defence Briefing
Russia takes an interest in CAR, Denmark’s mission to Greenland and Romania buys missiles.Cities Briefing
A Nairobi park’s transformation, Berlin honours its history and Compton’s living-wage experiment.Business Briefing
Expansion for Italian winery, Dutch firm’s sustainable packages and what’s next for Bolivian business.Art’s on fire
Whatever you might have heard, the creative spark is alive and well. Need convincing? Take a wander through our pick of audial, visual and sensory reasons to be cheerful.Food & Drink Briefing
A Brisbane bistro, a brewer in Sweden and a Kyoto bolthole. Plus, five Swiss wines to start a cellar.
Shoot
Fashion
Other
The Monocle shop
Winter is here and thanks to The Monocle Shop it’ll be a season of cheer. We have your seasonal goodies and cold-weather gear sorted, from cashmere cosiness to Monochan-approved gift sets. So load up on presents for your loved ones – and don’t forget to treat yourself too.Let’s party
Buy once and well, that’s our motto. Here are a few picks for the season.
Expo
