In an issue where both business and the French Foreign Legion loom large, our editor in chief identifies some potential synergy between the two (based on his own experiences in the South American jungle).

We get sociable with co-working spaces and consider two very different approaches to national pride. First up, a quick fix in Milan, Washington’s explosive exhibition and Portland puts opera on the menu.

A Swedish television show has struck a chord with viewers and audience members who, for almost 40 years, have been turning on, tuning in and belting out the ballads.

The artsy types at Eurolab think the EU’s tired branding has too easily ceded the field to nationalists and populists. We hear about their new vision.

We check in and meet the think-tank considering issues of global importance from within an 18th-century palace hotel.

Japan’s foremost mountaineering photographer on where he goes when he needs to soothe his mind and recharge his batteries.

Still basking in the warm afterglow of April’s peaceful revolution, Armenia’s prime minister Nikol Pashinyan knows the hard work starts now. Can he deliver what his people expect?

Years of silence have almost erased Spain’s civil war and General Franco’s atrocities from the collective consciousness but now the country is ready to speak out.

Lebanon may be struggling with corruption and subject to foreign interference but the positivity and creativity of its populace are helping it to move forward.

Visas in Uzbekistan, Colombia’s tricky transition, the youth vote in the US and elections in Cameroon.

Indonesia’s ambassador to New Zealand, Brazil’s Japanese descendants are heading east and political trolling on Twitter.

Mexico’s murder rates, Ethiopia’s navy, Russian troops’ uniforms and Poland’s plea to the US.

Animal welfare in Montréal, Munich reaches for the sky, tourism in Slovenia that’s the bee’s knees and Warsaw city councillor Jan Spiewak has his say.

Unique in the French military for accepting overseas recruits, the French Foreign Legion offers refuge to those with a past to forget. Legionnaires fight under the Tricolore but it's loyalty to their fellow soldiers that's truly sacrosanct. The regiment is their homeland. Mercenary or patriot? We meet an elite military force that still thrives on fraternal myth and the promise of adventure.

A new space for collaborative thinking and creating businesses of the future is already producing fresh ideas.

A workspace-cum-members’ club in London, Beirut’s best in brand, sustainable footwear in Milan, global export facts and how would you spend €5,000?

Behind every success story is some sound advice. We asked entrepreneurs to name a publication that proved to be an inspiration.

Alexandra Champalimaud’s interior-design firm has left its mark on the world’s finest hotels.

Drinks brand Capi has an HQ that’s more than it seems: it’s a place of work and play where unloved office furniture has made way for quality design pieces and works of art inspire all the brands under its roof.

Palermo’s patched-up palazzos make the city the perfect backdrop to the stirring artwork on display at Manifesta, the roving biennale.

Shunning the orthodox live-concert format, David Byrne’s latest touring spectacle has confirmed his status as a true original.

Carsten Höller’s dream works, a Danish art fair to watch and Madrid reclaims its airwaves.

Japan’s capital is home to a new restaurant from the team behind Noma. We tested the flavour of its aesthetic fusion.

Poul Kjaerholm was one of the greats of Danish design. Here we visit his former home – a testing ground for many of his best-loved classics.

The US firm moving beyond desert modernism, plus an artistic spot in the English countryside and a starkly dramatic Algarve capital.

Despite soaring rents, Toronto’s creatives are working hard to preserve and evolve the city’s design heritage.

Greek grapes are finding fresh audiences at home and abroad. We head to Kefalonia to find out why the island is becoming the nation’s most promising spot for winemaking.

Best bites from Shanghai to Montréal and a recipe for nduja, chilli & tomato bucatini.

The author initially saw the cookbook as a manual and nothing more. But once she started writing about food – and discovered the importance of preserving her heritage – she couldn’t stop.

We visit Gentili Mosconi, the Como fabrics firm that stitches the fashion industry together.

Conscious of the need to develop a retail aesthetic worthy of housing the company’s iconic products, New Balance’s creative whizz Bob Neville got to work. The result of his endeavours is the extraordinary Bird Centre in Kunshan, a space entirely dedicated to experimentation.

Five years after launching its signature bucket bag, Mansur Gavriel is a complete fashion brand. We met its savvy co-founders for a tour of the label’s sunny world.

A nod to the older model, plus artistic scents and new jackets for your autumn wardrobe.

The world of work is changing and so are our wardrobes: sign up for snappy presentation and relaxed office vibes.

Three fresh faces in Melbourne, Austin and Paris that balance luxury with practicality.

Whether you’re dreaming of burying your toes in the sand off the east coast of Mexico or exploring an old Portuguese olive farm, this month’s new openings will have you itching to book your flights.

Improve your productivity by sprucing up your place of work – well, that’s the theory anyway. Whatever happens, it will look sharper.

Cutting-edge cutlery, playful glassware (and a bottle of bourbon to fill it with), classic scents, the latest music and tasteful souvenirs to remind you of sunnier climes.

Shoppers are welcome to wander at their leisure around this inviting emporium where homeware, crockery and even the colours are inspired by the owner’s love of travel.

Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.