Conceived of only 21 years ago, already most nations want a “soft power” strategy – a way of winning the world over without resorting to military-industrial might. Monocle has indexed the top 30 soft power nations, which have achieved their status through natural resources combined with creative, modern thinking.

A new robust approach to diplomatic relations marks a break with tradition for Canada. And many believe it has damaged the nation’s soft-power credentials.

Huntsville, Alabama is a global player in the defence and aerospace industries but in order to ensure its economic future it must diversify. It’s looking to bio-tech to not only attract top researchers and entrepreneurs, but also inject a dose of vibrancy.

Germany’s economic status exceeds its place in the world power order. With a touching lack of marketing sophistication and sturdy business values, Europe’s powerhouse has achieved soft power almost by accident.

The iconic London black cab is being adopted across the world, from Azerbaijan to Italy. It’s been painted purple and made into a high-class ride with wi-fi and a drinks cabinet, and it all started with The London Taxi Company, which Monocle visits in Coventry.

Consumers are increasingly looking beyond their native borders for low-cost, quality healthcare – and if there’s a safari thrown into the package, all the better. Monocle looks at the global hotspots attracting patients wanting anything from hi-tech surgery to a facelift.

With no advertising, no marketing and limited online presence, the success of ‘XXI’ magazine has proven that readers do not need much persuasion to pay for beautifully presented, long-form journalism.

London has had some bad press but with the Olympics ahead, can its burgeoning design scene save the day?

Monocle brings its taste for global cuisine, impeccable coffee and serene interiors to the Japanese capital with the first Monocle Café.

Stockholm’s Svenskt Tenn has had its one and only homewares shop at the same location for 84 years. As Monocle discovers, a redesign of the iconic store hasn’t lost any of the homely charm of the firm’s idiosyncratic founder.

At China’s International Furniture Expo, Furniture Labo launched its Stellar Works collection. Proud to be made in Shanghai, it’s not only gaining fans abroad but also targeting discerning Chinese clients.

Italians have never really believed in hard politics. They’ve always known that the root to real power is through a person’s stomach, and have acted accordingly, building up an enviable array of world class food and drink brands.

Capturing Egypt's sunshine, growing bamboo in the US and bringing wind power to Turkey.

What'll happen to our cities in the coming year. Japan wil have more trees, Mumbai will have more high-rises and Portugal will get its first "smart city".

Africa's first high-speed rail network, Cambodia's "bamboo" railway upgrade and China's ambitious aviation plans.

Taking home-cooking to Singaporeans, tying the knot in Cyprus, making kangaroo-hide sneakers Down Under, and other business news and happenings.

The best new books, music, art and films to keep you thoughtful and delighted in the coming months.

A Swedish fisherman's raincoat, a made-in-England store opening, and an interview with the co-founder of online retailer Avenue 32.

Social housing in Paris, smart wrapping paper from Berlin, the perfect pairing of a new chair and a classic lamp, and a confession from our design editor on his secret love of tinsel.

From the presidents of Turkey and Colombia to the leader of the Israeli Labor party, Monocle interviews five political leaders from some of the world’s most volatile regions.

Monocle’s editors, writers and correspondents look ahead to 2012 and beyond.

The burgeoning soft power of the nation that straddles the East-West divide is rooted in its flourishing drama production industry, capturing hearts and minds from Pakistan to South America. Just don’t call them soap operas...

We’ve asked five artists, musicians and writers to tell us what they’ll be up to in the coming year and what will keep their creative juices flowing.

As we were putting this issue to bed, the studios of our new audio venture, Monocle 24, were moving into high gear. Broadcasting around the clock, Monocle 24 is a mix of discussion, news on the hour, happy tunes and a week’s worth of specialist magazine programmes. Here’s a day in the life of launch week.

Monocle's annual Travel Top 50 introduces you to the world's best hoteliers and the leading airlines, airport operators and chefs. The awards are based on the hundreds of journeys made by the Monocle team over the past 12 months - and we are a very demanding bunch to please. So whether you're a traveller to contemplating a switch to a hospitality career, we think you'll find the following pages inspiring.

On a trip to the northern Swedish archipelago, with just a few essentials, Monocle discovers an island bolthole perfect for recharging depleted batteries.

The towns of Blagoveshchensk and Heihe are divided by a river – and the very different routes the Russian and Chinese economies are travelling along. And there’s no doubt which town people want to live in.

Our editor in chief Tyler Brûlé takes stock of a busy year that has culminated in us cranking up the dial on Monocle 24, and charts the months ahead. But in between there’s glühwein and stollen to be savoured