Fighting talk
Al Jazeera has become the must-watch news channel for the unrest in the Middle East. But it is also a potent soft power weapon that the channel’s owner, the Emir of Qatar, is happy to wield. Monocle travels to the headquarters in Doha.Back to business
With many of Japan’s businesses cruelly flattened, the rebuilding process must begin, but with energy in short supply and the economy having suffered a huge blow, that’s a big challenge. Monocle looks at 10 badly hit sectors.At the scene
Following the March earthquake and tsunami, NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, provided the footage that filled the world’s TV screens. Monocle visits the studios to find out what happened when the disaster drill became real.Fresh start
Setting up shop on your own after three decades at a leading engineering firm is a huge leap of faith. But for Cecil Balmond, who runs a nascent design company with his daughter, it seemed like the logical step.Making shelter
An association of housing manufacturers and builders is providing prefabricated homes for people in the areas worst hit by Japan’s tsunami and earthquake. Monocle visits Rikuzen-Takata, where over a third of the town needs shelter.One to watch
The BaselWorld watch fair is ticking over nicely. With watchmakers posting healthy profits, everything from jewel-encrusted timepieces to golden age classics are on display. And the trade chatter? Chinese and Brazilian markets.
Europe Briefing
The Prince of Monaco's motorcade, the UK's looming referendum and an upset over the "Made in Italy" tag.Asia Briefing
China finds itself left behind in the race to develop Mongolian resources, but its home-grown film industry will get to double in size.Japan Briefing
As Japan starts to rebuild following the events of March, the management of the crisis and its aftermath has revealed deep-seated problems within the Japanese political system. The country boasts a long list of dysfunctional post-war leaders – and a highly nepotistic system.Oceania Briefing
Perth's drive to compete with Australian's east coast cities and a flag furore in New Caledonia.Americas Briefing
A report on Canada's upcoming election, the referendum in Ecuador and the new high-speed internet connection between Cuba and Venezuela.Africa/Middle East Briefing
Our column from Pretoria looks at how South Africa is manoeuvering itself into a world-power position. Plus elections in Seychelles, educating ultra-orthodox children in Israel and demanding change in Lebanon.Defence Briefing
MONOCLE interviews the commander of the Norwegian Coast Guard and reports on military deals in Afganistan and Australia.Diplomacy Briefing
We meet José Luís Robaína García, Cuba's ambassador to New Zealand, for the first on our new series on diplomacy. We also look at the "diplomatic pouch", that slightly quaint method of shipping secret documents.Business Briefing
An indian energy start-up, an African hotel group and a Turkish taxi designer, plus other companies making waves this month.Culture Briefing
A round of the best books, films and music.Media/Art Briefing
A gallery in Istanbul, a radio for rock star and a Q&A with New-York based art collector Henry Buhl.Fashion Briefing
Collaborations, new lines, designers and retailers.
Monocle travel guide
Avant-garde dining in an Athens art gallery, designer apartments in the Bavarian mountains, whale-sighting off the unspoilt Tasmanian coast – explorations to savour in this month’s Monocle travel round-up.Northern flights
PenAir was set up by a teenager as a lifeline for Alaska’s more remote communities. Today, it is the region’s second-largest commuter airline.
Issue 43
May 2011
The Leader
Report
Fighting talk
Al Jazeera has become the must-watch news channel for the unrest in the Middle East. But it is also a potent soft power weapon that the channel’s owner, the Emir of Qatar, is happy to wield. Monocle travels to the headquarters in Doha.Back to business
With many of Japan’s businesses cruelly flattened, the rebuilding process must begin, but with energy in short supply and the economy having suffered a huge blow, that’s a big challenge. Monocle looks at 10 badly hit sectors.At the scene
Following the March earthquake and tsunami, NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, provided the footage that filled the world’s TV screens. Monocle visits the studios to find out what happened when the disaster drill became real.Fresh start
Setting up shop on your own after three decades at a leading engineering firm is a huge leap of faith. But for Cecil Balmond, who runs a nascent design company with his daughter, it seemed like the logical step.Making shelter
An association of housing manufacturers and builders is providing prefabricated homes for people in the areas worst hit by Japan’s tsunami and earthquake. Monocle visits Rikuzen-Takata, where over a third of the town needs shelter.One to watch
The BaselWorld watch fair is ticking over nicely. With watchmakers posting healthy profits, everything from jewel-encrusted timepieces to golden age classics are on display. And the trade chatter? Chinese and Brazilian markets.
National icon
Briefing
Europe Briefing
The Prince of Monaco's motorcade, the UK's looming referendum and an upset over the "Made in Italy" tag.Asia Briefing
China finds itself left behind in the race to develop Mongolian resources, but its home-grown film industry will get to double in size.Japan Briefing
As Japan starts to rebuild following the events of March, the management of the crisis and its aftermath has revealed deep-seated problems within the Japanese political system. The country boasts a long list of dysfunctional post-war leaders – and a highly nepotistic system.Oceania Briefing
Perth's drive to compete with Australian's east coast cities and a flag furore in New Caledonia.Americas Briefing
A report on Canada's upcoming election, the referendum in Ecuador and the new high-speed internet connection between Cuba and Venezuela.Africa/Middle East Briefing
Our column from Pretoria looks at how South Africa is manoeuvering itself into a world-power position. Plus elections in Seychelles, educating ultra-orthodox children in Israel and demanding change in Lebanon.Defence Briefing
MONOCLE interviews the commander of the Norwegian Coast Guard and reports on military deals in Afganistan and Australia.Diplomacy Briefing
We meet José Luís Robaína García, Cuba's ambassador to New Zealand, for the first on our new series on diplomacy. We also look at the "diplomatic pouch", that slightly quaint method of shipping secret documents.Business Briefing
An indian energy start-up, an African hotel group and a Turkish taxi designer, plus other companies making waves this month.Culture Briefing
A round of the best books, films and music.Media/Art Briefing
A gallery in Istanbul, a radio for rock star and a Q&A with New-York based art collector Henry Buhl.Fashion Briefing
Collaborations, new lines, designers and retailers.
Scenarios
Business
Fairplay
Essays
How I Manage
Working life
Culture
Fashion
Inventory
Travel edits
Monocle travel guide
Avant-garde dining in an Athens art gallery, designer apartments in the Bavarian mountains, whale-sighting off the unspoilt Tasmanian coast – explorations to savour in this month’s Monocle travel round-up.Northern flights
PenAir was set up by a teenager as a lifeline for Alaska’s more remote communities. Today, it is the region’s second-largest commuter airline.
Food
Property prospectus
Local flavour
My Last Meal
Expo
End point