Can “big food” companies help chart a fresh future for food retail? Or are supermarkets always bad?

As embassies struggle to retain a foothold in a diversifying (and cost-cutting) world, the role of the diplomat is changing beyond recognition. We meet the next generation.

Georgia’s second city is in the midst of a frantic transformation from sleepy resort to major tourist and investment hub. Intent on branding itself as a European-style cultural hotspot, it also aims to become a Caucasian Las Vegas. Critics say it’s an identity crisis-in-waiting.

This year’s DSEi fair in London showed that South Africa is a major arms player.

Meet the entrepreneurs building a future for Egypt post-Mubarak. Each is attempting to turn crisis into opportunity and help spark a much-needed national economic recovery.

Whether it’s economic or ecological forces driving the gears of change,two-wheeled transport is on the up. At Europe’s largest trade show, one particular trend is putting traditionalists’ spokes out of joint – the buzz around electric bikes.

With commercial galleries on the rise and an ambitious programme of museum development, Los Angeles is forging a formidable reputation as a centre for contemporary art. But can it really rival New York?

Nobrow is a company after Monocle’s own heart, putting the love back into the book publishing industry by using a cache of illustrators from around the world, limited editions and quality materials to produce collectable volumes.

While neighbouring towns in the Mississippi Delta have struggled for survival, Greenwood has been revived by a home-grown kitchen appliance manufacturer that is committed not only to the town’s economy, but also the health of its culture.

Greece is grumpy with Macedonia (again), Moscow's mad with illegal taxi drivers, and Poles are pleased about new Warsaw skyscraper.

A Style Leader special, looking at the sartorial statements of three US election Republican hopefuls, plus cycling in Buenos Aires and policing in Peru.

Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari and his highly armoured motorcade, green cities in Japan, and an interview with India's chief economic adviser.

In our View from Dubai column, we check the mood in the UAE. We also have reports on Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo's election.

The challenges facing Papua New Guinea's new prime minister, solving a housing shortage in Darwin, and why Kiwi students are being spared Shakespeare.

Chine beefs up its air force again, and India builds a strike force to ready itself for Himalayan border disputes.

A new airline that aims to turn Tibet into a Chinese transport hub, an entrepreneur with an antique printing press, and a new type of contract lens that's a sight for sore eyes.

The latest in newspapers, record shops and book publishing.

This month's books, music and films.

A report on a Naples gallery boosting the city's art reputation, an interview with collector and jewellery designer Julia Muggenburg, and Phillips de Pury's Latin American art sale.

A reworked Chinese trishaw and a Russian "sleep box" are some of the new products on the radar this month.

New clothing and accessory ranges, collaborations, designers and retailers, from Vigevano to Melbourne.

French accordion player Yvette Horner harks back to another age. Hers is a nostalgic repertoire that draws on the countryside as a source of inspiration. Yet despite the years, her shock of orange hair and desire to play remain.

The defence industry is intertwined with politics and nationhood, and Ivor Ichikowitz is a man at the heart of all three in Africa. But don’t call him an arms dealer – he only has the best intentions for the continent, he says.

The CEO of Japan’s largest chain of entertainment stores is peculiarly sketchy on management – he never gives orders, positively encourages failure and doesn’t even have his own office – yet he’s particularly successful too.

On the ground floor of Midori House, we’ve just pulled back the door on two cosy wool-lined studios, and two equally handsome control rooms. Also we’ve populated them with a fresh and informed crew of the best broadcasters from around the corner and around the world. Here are the headlines on Monocle 24.

Park Nam Yong has choreographed some of South Korea’s biggest pop icons. He talks to Monocle about succeeding in a tough industry, and about teaching singers with two left feet how to dance.

This month’s womenswear collection is richly painted with the mellow, misty hues of autumn.

With the nights drawing in, there’s nothing more appealing than hunkering down in a cosy old Berlin bar. Monocle finds a seat to showcase our autumn/winter wear for indoors and out.

Fascinated with furniture design, Noritsugu Oda bought his first chair in the 1970s. He now has 1,200 of them. But, as Monocle discovers, he isn’t in the slightest bit precious about his priceless collection.

On Monocle’s wish list this month are crockery where the clay is the star, eco detergents that really work and waste bins you’ll actually want to handle.

This month Monocle visits a new luxury retail behemoth in Milan, a Yemeni coffee outlet in Tokyo and a Copenhagen restaurant serving New Nordic food at affordable prices.

The windows are huge; you’re cruising at an altitude low enough to allow you to gape in wonder at the pristine Costa Rican landscape below… Do you really need to read the inflight magazine?

For centuries, German porcelain meant traditional designs from old-school manufacturers such as Meissen or KPM. Hering Berlin has managed to bring an old craft into the present with timeless pieces that are as wonderful to touch as they are to look at.

Once populated by wealthy Limeños escaping the summer heat of the city centre, this small neighbourhood in Peru’s capital benefits from apartments overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a community feel, restored villas and a thriving cultural scene.

Rye bread with a simple topping might not sound like culinary fireworks. However, at Aamanns it is sparking taste buds.

The Hollywood actor, director and fashion designer shares his ‘last meal’ in a restaurant built into the rocks near his home in Provence.

South Korea has created a golf culture that leaves most other nations swinging away in a sandy bunker. Monocle visits some of the country’s top clubs and meets their quirky members and attentive staff.

The laptop ambassador may be a moneysaving concept but it will always be trumped by a diplomat with a budget and an embassy, says Tyler Brûlé.