Soft power is a precious commodity and needs protecting. But even if your nation and its government seem to lose their way, fear not: you can fix this without them.

Monocle's annual Soft Power Survey puts the spotlight on the nations that use their gentler sides to gain influence. And this year's winner is...

Faced with dilemmas over the expansion of Nato, the fight against Isis and how much to invest in security and defence, Jens Stoltenberg will have a busy inbox next year – but his main priority will always be keeping the peace.

Amid the many problems facing Lebanon's political landscape – gender inequality, in-fighting and vested financial interests - lawyer and activist Nadine Moussa may just be what the country needs.

Spain's capital is in the midst of reform courtesy of a 71-year-old retired judge. We find out why Manuela Carmena has eschewed slippers and crosswords in favour of tackling climate change and banishing corruption.

The pioneering traits that helped Hudson’s Bay Company open up Canada for trade centuries ago are still evident as it expands its retail operations worldwide – a legacy that newly installed boss Jerry Storch intends to harness to the full.

High-minded, rigorous and liberal: 'The New York Review of Books' has set the standard for long-form criticism since 1963. Monocle meets editor Robert B Silvers for a lesson in how to stay inspired and relevant.

As a child he had a dream job: testing toys for his father’s firm. Today Michihiro Maeda has taken the company to new heights and made its key product, Sylvanian Families, a toy destined for future success

With greatness comes reflection. For the design star Michael Bierut that means being able to spot not only when genius struck in his favour but also where things went astray and he should have just kept his mouth firmly shut.

With a careful eye for detail, Icelandair has helped tourism overtake fishing as Iceland’s key industry and promote the country as different and dynamic.

Armed with homemade smokers and racks of fresh meat, a group of US-style gourmet restaurants is lighting up the food scene in Mexico City with a traditional form of fiery American cuisine.

Tango's international appeal is stronger than ever but to excel at Argentina's passionate dance, enthusiasts must be in possession of just one thing – the right pair of shoes.

The challenges for France, who to keep an eye out for incoming elections in various parts of the UK and a city on the up in Slovakia.

The year ahead for Colombia, an impressive governor in Mexico and the polls to watch across the continent.

What Burma needs to worry about in 2016, why Bangkok still rocks and a politician who packs a punch.

Australia's big issues, a minister with a difference and a rough city that might be spruced up.

Nigeria's problems (and opportunities), a host of elections that will hopefully go well and a female leader to remember.

A Japanese packaging company re-energising an ancient tradition, an innovative medical clinic in Portland, Oregon, and a Q&A with an F&B entrepreneur from Jakarta.

Warming woollies and good-looking eyewear top our shopping list for a winter wardrobe revamp. Plus, a few words with APC founder Jean Touitou.

Monocle catches up with Jean Touitou in his Parisian headquarters to discuss the season ahead and the new collaboration with womenswear designer Vanessa Seward.

The Hungarian capital hasn’t had the best PR of late but its buzzing design scene deserves some proper international attention.

After the 1915 Armenian genocide, the nation’s artisans sought asylum in Lebanon – and there, with nothing but the skills their forefathers had taught them, they created a glistening jewellery industry.

In world where everyone seems to dress the same something rather special is stirring in Bavaria, where young men are rediscovering the joys of lederhosen and women the upfront joys of the dirndl.

It’s the most wonderful time of year so there’s no need to over complicate Christmas. All you need are good friends on two legs and four, seasonal tunes and some heart-warming flicks – all topped up with plenty of festive spirit (hic!).

As Norway finds fresh ways to tell its story through soft power around the world (in sponsoring everything from London club nights to international design shows), there’s one example that’s stood the test of time. The Norwegian embassy in Stockholm embodies the country’s firm grasp of how architecture is a good way to express your nation’s strengths abroad.

Olympic branding is a hot topic and graphic designer Lance Wyman’s seminal work for the 1968 Mexico Games changed the way we see them. Monocle catches up with him to talk wayfinding and the future of fonts in our cities.

Whether you want to prettify yourself in Portland, buy a clutch of books in Helsinki or snag some shoes in Singapore, our selection of retailers has you covered – and if Christmas gifts are on the agenda, head to Berlin fo rcards and ribbons to wrap up.

A contemporary-art world ‘rock star’, Franklin Sirmans arrives in Miami as the new director of the Pérez Art Museum intent on creating a focal point for the city’s creativity. He spoke to Monocle about Art Basel’s ongoing importance and the opportunities ahead.

Ed Ruscha helped define the 20th century and his pictures have burnt themselves into the world’s retina. As he prepares for a new show in Berlin, Ruscha welcomes Monocle into his Culver City studio to talk work and inspiration.

The South Korean capital’s traditional tile-roofed homes were, until recently, in danger of becoming a thing of the past. Now a modernised, 80-year-old house in one central neighbourhood has proved there is still life in the classic Korean ‘hanok’.

Our annual survey of the best in class from carriers to train nations, architecturally blessed inns to tasty food concepts. It's your round-the-world-ticket to meet the hospitality stars.

Festive treats as warming as the city's ubiquitous drink.

From tips for an office overhaul to suggestions for a stuffed pantry, we're recommending a few additions to your kitchen, garden and even your toolbox. We've got ideas by the pallet-load.

Portraits of leaders past and present are ubiquitous in Turkey, Spain and Morocco. Monocle paints a picture of their popularity – and peers beneath the surface to learn the history of their peculiar reign.

Portraits of leaders past and present are ubiquitous in Turkey, Spain and Morocco. Monocle paints a picture of their popularity – and peers beneath the surface to learn the history of their peculiar reign.

Portraits of leaders past and present are ubiquitous in Turkey, Spain and Morocco. Monocle paints a picture of their popularity – and peers beneath the surface to learn the history of their peculiar reign.

Editor in chief Tyler Brûlé is busy decking the Midori House halls with boughs of holly and wrapping up plans for a productive year of print in 2016. That’s not to mention the book tours, markets, parties…