Monocle issue 139 December 2020/January 2021
$15.00
ssue 139
December 2020/January 2021
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AT THE FRONT
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Monocle has risen to the challenge this year. That’s worth celebrating, says Tyler Brûlé. -
THE OPENER
Sustainable design solutions, scintillating marketing campaigns and cool cigarettes – the latest from around the globe. -
LETTERS FROM THE CITY
Three correspondents from three continents anticipate what 2021 has in store for the cities that they call home. -
SOFT POWER SURVEY
Our annual survey judges which nations’ soft-power strengths make the grade.
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AFFAIRS
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SWISS FLAIR
When it comes to money and diplomacy, Switzerland is an influential global player. But do other aspects of the national brand suit a broader international role? We asked seven of its best about what the future holds. -
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Isolationism has taken the shine off the perception of the US. But its foreign policy remains tightly interwoven with much of the world. As a new president takes office, what do its allies want? -
NEW HORIZON
In Sweden’s far north a revolution is under way that could transform how Europe lights its cities and powers its industries. We take a trip to Norrbotten, where the future is looking green. -
GOING VIRAL
How one Swiss ad agency took up the challenge of raising coronavirus awareness and spread the message throughout the nation. -
POLITICS BRIEFING
Canadian Greens elect a black party leader, populism in Portugal and the race to succeed Angela Merkel. -
DIPLOMACY BRIEFING
Brazil’s Lebanon connection, plus representatives for China and Taiwan clash over cake in Fiji. -
DEFENCE BRIEFING
Russia takes an interest in CAR, Denmark’s mission to Greenland and Romania buys missiles. -
NEUTRAL BEAUTY
Many countries aim to be like Switzerland, with its stability, affluence and exceptional services. But what does that really mean? For starters, it’s far more than ‘chocolate diplomacy’. -
CITIES BRIEFING
A Nairobi park’s transformation, Berlin honours its history and Compton’s living-wage experiment.
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BUSINESS
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CRYSTAL BALL
With the world in a state of upheaval, forecasting firms are helping to show us the future – but can they? -
BUSINESS BRIEFING
Expansion for Italian winery, Dutch firm’s sustainable packages and what’s next for Bolivian business. -
HOT DESKS
As the world of work becomes more fluid, flexible office space will be in demand. Investor Philippe Peress is betting on a Geneva site that allows firms to scale up or down. Take a seat. -
SILICON ALPS
Switzerland had a reputation for dreaming up ingenious tech ideas but being terrible at exploiting them. Now a clever network is selling Swiss breakthroughs to investors.
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CULTURE
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ART’S ON FIRE
Whatever you might have heard, the creative spark is alive and well. Need convincing? Take a wander through our pick of audial, visual and sensory reasons to be cheerful. -
CULTURE CLASH
Although Basel has long laid claim to being Switzerland’s art capital, Zürich has its eyes on the title too. And with a clutch of world-class galleries moving into the latter’s city centre, it increasingly has the creative clout of a contender. -
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Launched as a culture magazine, ‘Kolt’ now serves the residents of a small Swiss town with a unique, reader-supported approach to local journalism. -
REFINED PALETTE
Swiss chef Andreas Caminada is a connoisseur of fine art as well as food. We sample the works hanging on his restaurants’ walls. -
GROUP DYNAMICS
Having established their own community spaces, two artistic initiatives are finding strength in collective endeavour. We meet the people behind a new global arts destination in London and the duo whose converted power station is energising a German city.
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DESIGN
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REDEFINING RURAL
Meet the designers giving the rustic charm of the Swiss countryside a smart update. -
MAKING YOUR DAY
Priding itself on producing the most desirable, high-octane treats – from your morning coffee to the linen you sleep in – Switzerland has every minute covered. Here’s how its exports see you through from dusk till dawn. -
SAFE HAVEN
The modernist Swiss embassy in Canberra is a paean to the possibilities that concrete offered its gifted architects. -
POWER TRIP
There’s a once-in-a-lifetime urban-mobility revolution ahead. Honda is betting on a car made for nippy trips and tight streets. Hop in.
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ENTERTAINING
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GRAPE DELIGHTS
A new generation of vignerons in France’s Jura valley are charming (and challenging) international tastes. -
FOOD & DRINK BRIEFING
A Brisbane bistro, a brewer in Sweden and a Kyoto bolthole. Plus, five Swiss wines to start a cellar. -
IN GOOD TASTE
Regional produce, a passion for perfection and a rejection of the latest fads shows how a country can have an enviable culinary culture. We take a tour of the quietly pioneering Swiss food landscape.
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FASHION
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STITCH IN TIME
We size up the family-run Swiss fabric producer putting a new spin on age-old traditions. -
IN THE TRENCHES
Need to boost your winter style but no sure how? Jack it up with a statement outer layer. These contemporary takes on classic coats guarantee a hot look. -
PLUS FACTOR
We lay out 55 ideas for enhancing your own or a loved one’s winter perspective with imaginative and attractive accessories. -
THE MONOCLE SHOP
Winter is here and thanks to The Monocle Shop it’ll be a season of cheer.
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