This issue Monocle has visited seats of power around the globe – from the African Union’s HQ to Burma’s fledgling capital via Liechtenstein’s new parliament building. Each has a very different vision.

Nothing represents the shifting sands of global politics better than the African Union’s gleaming new HQ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A gift from the Chinese, it’s proof of the Asian giant’s growing clout. But the Germans are in on the act too.

This issue’s theme is all about how to engineer the perfect parliament. Monocle has surveyed the globe and come up with a master plan for a well-run chamber full of lively debate.

The Iraqi national rowing outfit – bidding for a spot at London 2012 – defy the odds. Shambolic security and ethnic violence make even getting to training an arduous task. On the water, though, none of it matters.

Construction work continues in Burma’s new model capital, inaugurated in 2005. Its sparkling buildings are designed to consolidate the generals’ power – but with small steps towards democracy, could Aung San Suu Kyi one day call it home?

New Zealand’s capital is driving to establish itself as a major hub for innovation. It’s small enough to create an intimate working environment – and big enough for the plan to work.

Aficionados of the simple sweatshirt know there’s only one label to turn to. Monocle meets the man behind Tokyo-based company Loopwheeler.

A former sporting arena has been reborn in the centre of Toronto as the flagship store of Canadian supermarket Loblaws. The city’s traditional home of ice hockey now houses fresh produce. Monocle went to see if the crowds still come.

The sports writer has a tough job. Crafting a story that’s more than mere results reporting takes toil – especially when sports players are often famously ineloquent. And then there are the deadlines.

London’s Phillips de Pury Chicago’s Wright, Sweden’s Örnsbergsauktionen and Berlin-based online auction house Auctionata are put under the Monocle microscope. We look at how the auction design industry is keeping pace in the 21st century.

The tiny prinicipality of Liechtenstein had big ideas for the design of its parliament building. The result is a perfect blend of stateliness and charm.

The Japanese city of Kyoto is renowned for its ancient traditions. But a crop of young designers is making sure it’s also set to become one of the nation’s creative hubs of the future.

The motorcade of the Greek prime minister plus reports on growing marijuana in Spain and spuds in Ireland.

Kazakhstan's capital finishes its Metro, Japan's rare deepwater salmon is given a reprieve and the Indian state of Tamil Nadu gets some new urban planning.

The view from the US campaign trail, fracking in Argentina and how the odds are looking for Mexico to get its first female president.

A look at the wardrobe of South Sudan's president, plus election watch in Mali and solving Lebanon's power-shortage problems.

The foreign land ownership debate in New Zealand, Cuba's bid to send doctors Oceania-way and Tonga finally gets connected to the rest of the world.

Few anticipated the enormous scale of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last March. Monocle talks to Eiji Kimizuka, chief of staff for the Ground Self-Defense Force, to learn how the rescue effort continues one year on.

Boom time for South Korea's military spending, plus the defence love-in between America and the UAE.

An interview with the Geneva-based, football-playing Brazilian permanent representative to the WTO.

The company championing local organic produce in the UAE, Honda's new business jets, plus more news from the business world.

Films, books, music and our culture editor's monthly column.

A new Russian TV comedy channel, a bookshop in Bratislava, a new gallery in Washington and a Q & A with the founder of the Pinta art festival in Argentina.

A new Russian TV comedy channel, a bookshop in Bratislava, a new gallery in Washington and a Q & A with the founder of the Pinta art festival in Argentina.

New packaging, new buildings, books,and bikes, plus our design editor stays up all night to find out whether the 24-hour city was ever a good idea.

The best retail, design and clothing from around the globe.

If you’re in the market for the latest tractor or combine harvester, the National Farm Machinery Show is the place to be. Monocle goes to Kentucky to sow our seeds.

El Salvador’s ‘El Faro’ media firm had humble beginnings. Fast forward 15 years, however, and the mainly online news outlet has become one of Central America’s most important indie voices. Monocle meets founder Carlos Dada.

Husband-and-wife team Martine and Prosper Assouline have built their luxury publishing house by doing what feels natural. Since starting in their Paris apartment nearly 20 years ago, Assouline is now a US-based market leader.

Richard Neutra had a major impact on modernist architecture in southern California and his Reunion House in Silver Lake, occupied by his elder son and his family, remains one of the best, most authentic examples of his work.

Monocle takes a lesson in volleys and countershots at a clubhouse in Pall Mall, London. In our kit bag is some smart sportswear and a slick change of clothes for after the big match.

Good things come in packages of all shapes and sizes, particularly when they’re delivered by a Takkyubin man in Tokyo’s Aoyama and Omotesando districts. Monocle opens the door to spring’s freshest ensembles.

This month’s selection of desirable things include cashmere bowties, bicycle bags, some velvety wine, handmade soaps and smart kitchenware.

With its artfully mismatched interiors, Manhattan’s NoMad hotel is combining character with comfort. Be it in the products they sell or the type of aroma wafting from the kitchens, a sense of discovery is key.

Monocle island-hops to the Maldives, visits a Stockholm restaurant with no menu and finds the best coffees from New Zealand to San Francisco.

With over 200 inhabited islands in a chain of around 1,200, Maldivian Air Taxi provides an essential service to tourists and islanders alike. The Maldives’ premier island-hopping service relies on seaplanes and the only onboard luxury required is the view.

Ach. Brito soaps are instantly recognisable by their vintage-inspired packaging and Claus Porto label. This family-run company dates back to 1887 but still continues to innovate and appeal to new markets.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a renovation project then George Town has plenty of dilapidated charm and shop-houses waiting for new owners. Adding to its draw, part of the city has been declared a world heritage site.

Tadich Grill is a San Francisco institution, serving traditional seafood dishes and a large helping of nostalgia.

Pioneering artist Subodh Gupta is known as the “Damien Hirst of India”. A family gathering is his choice for a hypothetical final feast.

The new Sami parliament building in Finland is a proud symbol of how far the indigenous people of Europe’s north have come over the past century, from being a culture struggling for survival to a thriving community.

In the year since Monocle moved in to Midori House the neighbourhood, like so many others, has seen some subtle but significant changes. Our editor-in-chief Tyler Brûlé goes in search of a decent coffee.