Turning heads

From Belarus to Hong Kong, political uprisings were a feature of 2020. But 10 years on from the Arab Spring, it is clear that these heated movements don’t always result in real change. So what is the secret to success? And what can we expect in 2021?
Preparing for the worst

Whether you’re faced with an accident, a fire or a less expected natural catastrophe, it pays to have a plan. Meet the experts who are laying the groundwork to keep us safe and sound.
How to be a modern spy

As digital footprints have become easier to follow, the espionage game has changed. We track where it’s heading.
Shape of things to come

Although 2020 proved that some developments just cannot be foreseen, certain voices are better placed than most to predict the likely direction of the year ahead. We asked 10 experts in international and geopolitical affairs to stick their necks out and tell us which way the world will turn in 2021.
Streets ahead

Talk of a pandemic-induced exodus from city living has been overegged but there’s always room for improvement in even our most-treasured urban areas. Here we spotlight 10 initiatives from around the globe that could help to kick-start a fresh civic renaissance.
Changing of the guard

A new generation of bright and brave politicians, activists and educators are seeking to shake up those parts of Africa long beset by corruption, conflict and rank inequality. We cross the continent to meet five pioneers who are determined to transform their countries for good.
View from the top

Events of the past year have posed many questions as to how we move forward as a society. At Monocle’s The Chiefs conference – held in the Swiss Alps with special partner UBS – entrepreneurs and creatives came together to offer their take.
Cleared for takeoff

While many airlines panicked during the pandemic, others stood firm and respected passengers by sticking to schedules or even extending their networks. We flag up the carriers that are best placed to ride out the turbulence.
All in place

Thinking of relocating? Then head to an area offering fresh opportunities. That might mean anything from a building boom that enables architects to get creative to a well-connected rural community where entrepreneurs support each other. So where will your next move take you?
Art and soul

Smart collectors follow their taste and inclinations when they’re buying but they also have the nose to expand and explore new fields. We speak to four insiders about where the market is heading – and what sectors are piquing their interest.
Hot off the press

In Italy’s crowded media landscape, two new national newspapers – and one youthful stalwart – are playing against type to prove that print can still be a powerful and popular medium for journalists and public alike.
Work in progress

Fifty years ago architects started to reimagine the office, wondering how it could become a more inspiring, democratic environment. Half a century later, as we prepare for another shake-up of the workplace, we look at the ideas that stood the test of time – and visit the German company rethinking open-plan.
Made in milan

The city is no longer just a backdrop for the world’s design talent during the annual Salone del Mobile. It has reinvented itself as a place where young creatives can work, make and play. We meet the leaders of the pack.

Last word / Global

Sound bites

Despite the nuanced advice contained within this edition of ‘The Forecast’, you might still feel that the best way to improve your prospects is to simply believe what you read in a fortune cookie. So we’ve come up with some appropriate aphorisms for our times.

Illustrator: Kat Chadwick

1.

celebrate being present

See who zooms goes nowhere fast

Make 2021 the year of being present, of being there, of getting out and about and leaving that meagre, horizontal arrow-slit of an online world behind. The sheer speed of doing things in person will offer you weeks of free time.

2.

the grace of gardening

Planting Seeds Makes Happiness grow

Those new skills? So satisfying. The soil beneath your fingernails? Such a pleasure to see it washing down the plughole. Those tomatoes? So sweet. The patience and pride gleaned from a little garden husbandry can be transferred anywhere.

3.

invest in things you love

Good things come to those who subscribe

We would say this, of course, but subscribing to something in print is well worth your pennies. Some weeks you can’t wait for the next instalment; others that affirmative flump on the doormat is a pleasing surprise.

4.

revel in the attention

Dance like 1,000 people are watching

Oh, so you missed dancing? Just getting lost in music in a club, on a beach, in a ballroom, out in a field? Of course you did. Now try to stop yourself next time you get going. You’ll find that you missed all the attention too.

5.

highball logic

Shake and stir to see with clear eyes

It’s high time that you chose a couple of cocktails and stuck with them. It’s a joy to know how to mix your own gimlet or old fashioned almost with your eyes closed – or only for your guest. Plus, practising is fun.

6.

perfect your tennis serve

He who tosses highly will win admirers

This might seem specific but your tennis serve is a transferrable skill. Get some lessons, practise in the park, grow into your rhythm and impress your opponents. It’s all about tossing it up in the same place every time. It sounds funnier than it looks.

7.

get a four-legged friend

Celebrate the year of the dog with gifts

Fortune favours the dog lover. Those folks chatting on the green? They didn’t know each other last week but Rover and Rita brought them together. Make something furry happy and you’ll be smiling.

8.

the draw of the destination

Travel to the source to find true value

Embarking on a pilgrimage to see, say, the vines that make your favourite wine is its own reward. A couple of cases rattling about in the back of the car will feel like rare bounty and every bottle opened will tell its own story.

9.

take time to reflect

Use the mirror for more than shaving or makeup

Ah, this is all about the benefits of reflection. Of which there are many: taking a long view, wondering why the hell you did that, or enjoying a pat on the back. Pepys can rest easy but writing down what you think in a book unshared is a good impulse.

10.

learn from experience

Seek wisdom from your elders

The world’s problems will not be solved by a 19-year-old with an Instagram account. There has always been a bit of wisdom in experience. Call your folks – and call theirs. Even a fortune cookie has wrinkles.

Tyler Brûlé on why 2021 should be the year when we leave no one behind

Peoples and places

Turning heads

Preparing for the worst

How to be a modern spy

Shape of things to come

Streets ahead

Changing of the guard

View from the top

Cleared for takeoff

All in place

Art and soul

Hot off the press

Work in progress

Made in milan

Think again

Home comforts

Knives out

Go north

Outside the box

Bright lights, small city

The Monocle Shop

Sound bites

Status grow

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