It’s time to consider the role of the diplomat and the use of wining and dining in soft power. Plus, our Travel Top 50, a tempting gift guide and plenty of potted plants.

From fashion and art to politics, media and governance, Monocle meets eight frontrunners to discuss their successes so far and the fresh challenges for the year ahead.

Monocle’s annual Soft Power Survey charts the strengths and weaknesses of national brands and the changing landscape of cultural influence. But how do the hard truths of politics affect nations’ softer sides? Read on to find out.

Being a diplomat requires you to be proficient at wining and dining guests – and at no time will you be more inundated than the Christmas period. We visit three festive residences – that of the Czech ambassador to the UK, the Danish ambassador to the US and the Italian ambassador to Japan – to discover the importance of time-old traditions and a talented and patriotic chef.

The new year brings new opportunities – if you know where to look. With our tips and foresight and a little forward planning you’ll be in prime position to ring in the business changes.

The Netherlands’ fourth-largest city is attracting young entrepreneurs in droves. They come for a slower pace of life and to work in one of Europe’s friendliest and best-connected mini hubs.

Storied department store Engelhorn has clothed generations of Mannheim shoppers. Its top-drawer displays are enticing new visitors – and offering them an all-round experience.

If you’re the sort of person who likes to mark things in the diary then you’ve fallen on the right few pages: here are the books, programmes, films, albums and exhibitions that should make your 2017 a year to remember. It will certainly be a year perfectly punctuated by class acts, from the silver screen to the small one, from enriching visits to your local bookseller to swooning nights out at a gig. Rearing their angelic heads above the starry firmament are our faces to watch for next year too: one we know you will love; the rest we hope you’ll thank us for.

As one of Mexico’s leading advertising directors, Raúl Cardós took a leap into the unknown when he decided to strike out on his own. Luckily his efforts have paid dividends.

When magazine editor Aaron Hicklin opened a bookshop in upstate New York, he wanted to move beyond the usual roster of titles. In the year since he launched, his guest-edited book lists have driven sales and put One Grand on the map.

Now a beacon for the city-state’s art scene, STPI is finally becoming as popular with Singaporeans as it is with international artists.

Want to spruce up your barren balcony or bare window box? Look no further as we round up the most luscious – and adventurous – botanical offerings for the home, from spiky cactuses to frond-tastic ferns.

New hotel Casa Mãe is a winning combination of Portuguese craftsmanship and exquisitely executed contemporary design. Monocle meets the creative force behind the retreat.

As the seasons shift so does our collective appetite for winter treats and tasty tipples. In this spirit, Monocle visited five festive food firms that specialise in products that we think will embody and elevate any occasion. We profile the Niigata-based team that brews a warming winter saké, break bread with the best panettone maker in the Lombardy capital and bend the ear of a baklava maestro in Istanbul. German gingerbread and Spanish port round off our festive finds.

What should be on the UK government’s agenda (Brexit aside) and Austria’s provocative foreign minister.

The challenges facing Peru’s new president and the resurgence of Paraguay and its capital.

Australia’s latest prime minister must make some tough decisions. Plus: Vietnam’s property boom.

How Qatar can shake off its infamous reputation and Durban’s renaissance in South Africa.

The social enterprise library that stocks everything from clothing to tools, plus airfare price projections.

A bankable typeface for Oslo’s newest creative venue and a book about the Barbican feature in this issue.

Bulent Eczacibasi heads the industrial group with a focus on pharmaceuticals that bears his family name – and he’s been creative to maintain success. In London for the Design Biennial, he tells us why patronage is key to the art of good business.

Being the head of a toy company is most people’s dream job but keeping up with rapid changes in technology and staying ahead of your rivals is not all fun and games. Monocle visits Japan, Canada and Germany to meet the inner children in charge.

Our pick of the bunch this winter, from two shiny new Tokyo labels to some classy leather bucket bags.

In Japan it’s custom to return home (‘satogaeri’) for the holidays but before you go there are gifts to be bought and friends to spoil. Pull on a winter coat and pick up some fruit for the family, then pack up the Forester, fill up the tank and hit the trail.

All aboard for our fast-paced tour of the finest hotel openings, boats, planes and rolling stock setting agenda in the world of travel and hospitality.

The Slovenian capital is a treasure trove of smart, creative and unusual gifts – and boasts a winning mix of stirring surroundings and polished pit-stops to make it an ideal festive foray.

What is ‘schlager’? Our Culture editor, smelling faintly of beer and with party music still ringing in his ears, has emerged from Dortmund’s Grosse Westfalenhalle with the answer. Boom!

Tyler Brûlé sees parallels between Denmark’s ‘hygge’ and investment – both financial and emotional – in Christmas.