Despite the pressures of new technology in its own ranks and a fast-developing Chinese navy sailing into view, the ‘USS George Washington’ continues to rule the Asia-Pacific seas. Monocle climbs aboard the American aircraft carrier.

People talk of the world becoming a smaller place, but there is still a lot of room for hostility. Here, Monocle has identified 20 of the most volatile areas of contention.

Never work with animals is a mantra in TV but exotic, domestic and native beasts have been employed to work in conflicts around the world with mixed consequences. Take a walk on the wild side with Monocle.

In the forest of Evjemoen, Norway’s officer training school puts troops through an extreme test of endurance. It’s a physical and mental challenge but more of the latter in these days of modern warfare.

Stockholm-based SIPRI is one of the world’s leading military thinktanks, advising governments all over the world. Yet behind its success is a uniquely Swedish approach.

Keeping the wheels of war turning requires well-run businesses. Some of the world’s most recognisable household brand names have pushed ahead in the fields of technology and innovation by supplying new products to the military.

Some say they’re a useful force for good, others say they’re an ungovernable hindrance undermining the good work of government troops. Either way, private security firms are playing an important part in conflicts around the world.

New weightlifting champion: Airbus A400 M Atlas Tucked away in the British countryside, the Farnborough International Air Show is an unassuming backdrop for deals deciding the future of air defence. This trillion euro industry might decide the world’s future, too.

A photographer, a war artist, Sky News’ special correspondent and a writer for ‘The New Yorker’ reveal what kit they take with them to the world’s conflict zones and how they work. Among the essential bulletproof jackets and passports, there’s still space for family photos and good luck charms.

A magazine for the German armed forces, ‘Y’ holds the line when it comes to maintaining its independence while publishing a product that meets the remit of a military publication. With a staff of civilians and soldiers, it’s a lively setting.

Galgalatz is a popular radio station with an eclectic music mix. What’s unusual is that the DJs wear uniforms, short haircuts and very shiny shoes. Monocle listens in to the Israeli Army on the airwaves.

The largest city to be created in the past 100 years is Brazil’s capital. That bold, modernist ideal extends to its military departments, shaped in swathes of creative concrete by architectural icon, Oscar Niemeyer.

Netherlands shipbuilder Damen manufactures the boats that keep navies and coast guards up-to-speed worldwide. A near-century old success story, theirs is a contribution to a local tradition stretching back even further.

The Swiss Guards have protected the Vatican since the 16th century and today employ a cutting-edge tailor to maintain their sharp look.

Why the Chinese premier is eyeing up Reykjavik as an Arctic foothold, and what the Spanish Ministry of Defence's Centre for Gender has to teach the world.

Trouble in the Indian Ocean, India modernises its military, and sales of South Korea's jets experience lift off.

Warnings that Paraguay's political uncertainty could be exploited by a guerilla group, the US's cuts of military aid to Colombia, and Argentina and China talk defence.

The king of Swaziland's motorcade, Israel's robot wars and spy games in Africa.

Fiji's dictator is this issue's style leader, Australia makes friends to handle cuts to military spending, and why new boats are part of New Zealand's defence forces' shake up.

An interview with the Swedish Navy defence attache in Washington, Qatar's position on Syria, and China and Japan put the spooks on each other on joint exercises.

Monocle questions Nato’s secretary general about progress in Afghanistan, new threats, managing defence cuts and the organisation’s role in the Asia-Pacific region.

War against poaching: Fighting poachers in Zimbabwe, US veterans as entrepreneurs, and Japan's taste for US Military ice cream.

A Japan military media special, Bollywood's war films, and the "Cairo Year One" exhibition in London.

Japan’s relationship with its military makes for interesting ideas across all media

A new entry to the tiltrotor market, the finest small naval craft, and the best portable mess kit.

A Q&A with London designer Christopher Raeburn, refashioned army clothing, and the best pair of aviators.

The sheer breadth of countries covered by the defence-themed analyses in this issue illustrates the dizzying scale of modern-day conflicts. Some are in full flow, others are receding and many are threatened; all require our attention.

The US military has long used a type of camouflage pattern designed according to the type of terrain in which it will be used. Now, a Brooklyn-based company has persuaded it to try a new way of (not) seeing things.

That a camera company can become a binocular company by accident is an impressive feat; that it can go on to become a world leader in its unexpected field is outstanding. German firm Steiner isn’t looking back.

The functional concrete bungalows hastily built after the Second World War to house the US troops are becoming a popular option for young Japanese looking for more living space.

Part of the British Army for nearly 200 years, Nepalese Gurkhas are renowned for their skill and bravery. For Monocle, these Gurkhas swapped their distinctive uniforms for bold, smart civvies.

Fans of army surplus store and collectors of military kit listen up. This month’s inventory is the ultimate guide to the best in desert boots, camouflage jackets and handcuffs.

In a city known for its preference to raze rather than save, finding an old building among Hong Kong’s gleaming skyscrapers is a challenge. Marvel then at the Tai O Heritage Hotel: housed in a 110-year-old police station by an army headquarters on Lantau Island, it is proof that restorative justice can be done.

A defence-themed round-up includes rooms for hire in former forts and citadels everywhere from the West Indies to Portugal, airlines run by the military and the hotels favoured over the years by the world’s most well-travelled guests: war reporters.

Popular with tourists, scenic Suomenlinna comprises eight islands and is only a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Snap up a merchant’s house here and experience a villagey lifestyle.

It is a country renowned for its neutrality, but there is nothing hands-off about Swiss Army life where their in-demand food is concerned.

Vaughan Smith is a veteran war cameraman who set up Frontline News TV in London. He shares a meal with Monocle at the Frontline Club restaurant.

Japan’s territorial waters are vast and volatile, home to some of the most disputed islands in east asia. the Japan coast guard is tasked with policing the area. Monocle climbed aboard to see how they do it.

Alongside London’s world sporting showcase and its potential for growth, our editor in chief Tyler Brûlé considers Monocle’s very own expansion plans for this summer.