Monocle has risen to the challenge this year. That’s worth celebrating, says Tyler Brûlé.

Sustainable design solutions, scintillating marketing campaigns and cool cigarettes – the latest from around the globe.

Three correspondents from three continents anticipate what 2021 has in store for the cities that they call home.

Our annual survey judges which nations’ soft-power strengths make the grade.

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.

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?

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.

How one Swiss ad agency took up the challenge of raising coronavirus awareness and spread the message throughout the nation.

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’.

With the world in a state of upheaval, forecasting firms are helping to show us the future – but can they?

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.

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.

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.

Launched as a culture magazine, ‘Kolt’ now serves the residents of a small Swiss town with a unique, reader-supported approach to local journalism.

Swiss chef Andreas Caminada is a connoisseur of fine art as well as food. We sample the works hanging on his restaurants’ walls.

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.

Meet the designers giving the rustic charm of the Swiss countryside a smart update.

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.

The modernist Swiss embassy in Canberra is a paean to the possibilities that concrete offered its gifted architects.

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.

A new generation of vignerons in France’s Jura valley are charming (and challenging) international tastes.

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.

We size up the family-run Swiss fabric producer putting a new spin on age-old traditions.

Canadian Greens elect a black party leader, populism in Portugal and the race to succeed Angela Merkel.

Brazil’s Lebanon connection, plus representatives for China and Taiwan clash over cake in Fiji.

Russia takes an interest in CAR, Denmark’s mission to Greenland and Romania buys missiles.

A Nairobi park’s transformation, Berlin honours its history and Compton’s living-wage experiment.

Expansion for Italian winery, Dutch firm’s sustainable packages and what’s next for Bolivian business.

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.

A Brisbane bistro, a brewer in Sweden and a Kyoto bolthole. Plus, five Swiss wines to start a cellar.

Need to boost your winter style but no sure how? Jack it up with a statement outer layer. These contemporary takes on classic coats guarantee a hot look.

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.

Buy once and well, that’s our motto. Here are a few picks for the season.

Swiss poster design might have a storied past but it’s also the ideal media for today, with its simple, stirring calls to action. Stay glued for a tale of humming presses, graphic-design stalwarts and wise collectors in a nicely stuck-up Zürich.