In a world of geopolitical upheaval and targeted terrorist attacks, mayors are playing an increasingly prominent role. In this issue we present 15 of the world’s most recognisable and resilient city leaders – along with a few retail kingpins and style chiefs for good measure.

They are considered the most liberal people in Europe – and yet arguably they are among the most right-wing. So now what? With elections looming, Monocle explores a troubling dichotomy.

If mention of the word ‘mayor’ puts you in mind of a jolly rotund man with a large chain around his neck and little more to do than open supermarkets and attend fetes, think again. Monocle stalks the corridors of city halls around the world to assess the most powerful and persuasive urban leaders.

The new UK prime minister’s walk on the wild side, plus election time – again – in Austria.

Why what Donald Trump does in defeat could have his detractors wishing he was in the Oval Office.

China ushers in a new age of seaplane travel as Vietnam attempts to wean its citizens off their scooters.

A risky ride with Robert Mugabe’s motorcade and the South African mayor signposting a watershed in Cape Town politics.

The fight for Sydney’s modern architectural heritage, plus New Zealand’s total war on non-native species.

We talk to New York’s chief planner Carl Weisbrod. Plus: can you measure the happiness of a whole city?

Germany mulls a non-citizen army, Ukraine’s military upgrade and the UK’s high-flying eyes.

The US ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Suzan LeVine, talks tax and togetherness.

Throwing light on the key issues surrounding the forthcoming US election is what keeps these particular think-tanks busy. Meet the people whose remit is to separate fact from fiction.

Despite a wobbling economy and tightened belts, this small Nordic country is leading the way in education and technology – and reinventing itself for the 21st century.

The Monocle Retail Survey is back. For this year’s selection, we’ve scoured the globe for the best new shops, the smartest developers and the most-anticipated additions to the retail landscape. From a department store in Buenos Aires supporting independent designers to an eyewear brand from Seoul that’s taking on the world, this is a review designed to inspire and intrigue (and if you’re really inspired, we’ve profiled two cities ready to welcome your new shop concept). We start on Portland’s Division Street, which has witnessed a model retail renaissance.

The chief executive of Portuguese national airline TAP on how he’s seen the flag-carrier through turbulent times – and why workaholics are not to be trusted.

We brave the great outdoors to meet the Swedish business owners who have made the most of the north’s inclement weather to create sturdy, tried-and-tested outdoor products.

Making tracks with Australia’s mobile record shop, plus a Virginian retail renaissance.

Buying a work of art, especially if you’re doing so with the aim of starting a collection, can be a daunting business. We’ve turned to experts from both ends of the spectrum – an adviser, picture editor and collector, as well as an artist – to get some creative insight.

The US presidential election is one of the biggest events in TV news. So after their rolling coverage of the primaries, how are the broadcasters ramping up for the final Clinton vs Trump showdown in November?

He’s a Turner Prize nominee and has been honoured by the nation but Yinka Shonibare’s work continues to trigger big responses (one critic said hanging was too good for him). On the eve of a new show about our fractious world he reveals how his life works.

London’s art-world future after Brexit, plus documentarian Andrew Rossi takes on Manhattan’s Met.

We meet Bonhams ceo Matthew Girling and contemporary African art comes to London.

We’re caught by film-maker Naotaro Endo’s documentary on Tokyo’s iconic Tsukiji fish market.

What do artists and their dealers talk about? Jeff Koons and Almine Rech are friends who work together, so when they’re not talking Picasso over dinner, she’s moving walls to accommodate his work. Here’s a window on their unusual world.

The striking modernist headquarters of Danish shipping giant Maersk is a monument to the discreet elegance and formidable eye for detail of the firm’s late CEO and chairman.

The sunny outlook for London's design scene and Johanna Agerman Ross on her new role at the V&A.

Far beyond the last city bus stop and miles from where the metro track runs out, you’ll find shop owners for whom a loyal clientele and room to roam beats the sleek certainties of urban retail.

Success in today’s tumultuous retail environment requires an adaptable toolset. We meet three flexible leaders who are setting global examples.

A spirit of unruly fun presides over the Good Neighbors Jamboree. Now in its seventh year, the open-air celebration of retail, food and music has attracted thousands of visitors from across Japan to this remote region.

South Korea’s design industry was faltering for decades. Today the forward-looking Arumjigi Foundation is bringing it up to date with a healthy respect for the creative traditions of the past.

Dubai wants to be known for more than its artificial islands and ‘megatall’ skyscrapers. We visit the city’s design district and meet the makers trying to turn it into a bastion of Middle Eastern craft and creativity.

The leaves may be falling but this comely autumnal roster has risen to the occasion. Here we present a smart selection with which to kit out your cupboards, cabinets and countertops.

The hoteliers and designers behind our pick of the bunch this month took the plunge – and now it’s your turn. Whether you’re yearning for a sunny stop-off in Sydney or a rural Puglian retreat, we’ve got you covered.

Despite ideal conditions for producing sea salt, this remote Aussie island used to import from the UK. Today the pair behind its only salt farm are savouring their success.

Once home to waterfront workers, Helsinki’s Punavuori district is now awash with young businesses. We meet the new kids on the dock.

In the second outing of our Retail Safari we look beyond the big-brand-but-boring retailers to some of the Argentine capital’s finest independents. From designers turning out appealing Angora jumpers to a rethought makers’ market, we share a few trade secrets that the Porteños like to keep private.

The trio behind Servicio Continuo have hit the spot for convivial late-night grazing.

We tuck into a toothsome Peruvian menu, sip cracking cocktails in a subterranean bar in Sydney and kick back on a beach in Ibiza with a bunch of Aussies. Still feeling peckish? Head to Copenhagen for dumplings galore.

We meet ‘Paris Match’ editor in chief Olivier Royant at Café de l’Homme to talk journalism, James Ellroy and the joys of crêpes.

What makes for a successful high street or marvellous mall? From ample amounts of shade to a healthy dose of greenery, a mixture of labels to spaces big and small, our editor in chief’s checklist will ensure a happy shopping experience.

A Coruña is home to retail giant Inditex (owner of Zara) and its alumni designers and manufacturers, who are busy reviving the region’s textile and craft credentials. Together they’ve made this one of Spain’s richest cities.