Waking from the nightmare of war, occupation and civil unrest, Iraq has ambitious plans for the renovation and remodelling of its cities and infrastructure. The rebuiliding isn’t purely a physical process – a new mindset is also being developed.

Ahead of April’s royal wedding, Monocle’s second essay in our Scenarios series looks at the possibility of Britain becoming a republic and its impact on both state coffers and Brand Britain.

Hambantota is about to hit the big time thanks to Chinese money and dynastic might. But not everyone is set to benefit.

Alcohol tax in Turkey, election with Finland and Georgia's diplomacy love-in.

Style leader Raúl Castro, South American coffee consumption and London-based US politicians.

Cambodia's embrace of capitalism, congestion busting Chinese-style and election watch Laos.

Nigeria’s first anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu was so effective he was sacked and fled the country, fearing for his life. Now he’s back and running for president.

Benjamin Netanyahu's motorcade and urban regeneration in Mecca.

National identity in Australia, Tonga and Fiji's territorial dispute and rugby World Cup headache in New Zealand.

Dutch courage in Afghanistan, instability in Nepal and India's homegrown fighter jets.

In a resource-hungry world, Singapore’s key strategic position between China and India means it feels the need to maintain a defence policy of deterrence.

Overhauling a business can go two ways: it either backfires badly – BA and Coca-Cola know how that feels – or it radically improves profits. Monocle meets 10 businesses taking the gamble and suggests 10 industries in need of a makeover.

As gatekeeper of illycaffè, one of Italy’s most famous coffee brands, CEO Andrea Illy faces some intense competition. He tells Monocle how he has kept the company not just above water, but thriving.

From futuristic cash-register technology to staff trained as vegetable sommeliers to exhibitors promoting their concoctions, Japan’s Supermarket Trade Show had the highest turnout yet and offers new ideas for an increasingly competitive industry.

American cigars, Japanese micro sites and innovative Irish forest technology

How do you make people think it’s fun to dress up in rubber? That’s the challenge facing a diving industry fed up with its image as a sport for middle-aged holiday-makers in the Maldives. At Boot 2011 they seem to have the answer.

China is home to the world’s second largest economy and its most dynamic market but, as yet, its companies have struggled to create any distinctive global brands. Could it be that only a few even want to try?

The internet is transforming the way we consume music and news as more stations switch to a web-only format and internet radios roll off the production lines. Forget traditional stations – this is the future of the sung and spoken word.

Lebanese journalist Hisham Melhem has been a correspondent for many of the Middle East’s largest newspapers and now presides over TV station Al Arabiya’s Washington bureau. He talks to Monocle about covering a winter of Arab rebellion.

Expanding media in South Korea, cult German magazine launches an English edition, plus smartphone card payment systems.

Christie's in Dubai, Stockholm's Galerie Nordenhake and a Q & A with art collector Jean Pigozzi.

A roundup of the best books, films and music.

In the days before digital took over the music market, it was enough for record labels to just produce records. Now, a new approach is needed. Step up Ghostly International with its unique brand of art, music and retail.

Housing needs a renaissance. Monocle meets the London firm reinventing the town house and talks to pioneering project leaders in Denmark and Japan.

The Bosnian wood-working company Rukotvorine has survived many battles – literally. But now it is hoping to sell its Balkan crafts around the world.

Residences, homeware, furniture and everything that's on our radar this month.

A new collection form Mackintosh, a German jewellery designer with a Scandinavian flavour, plus all the latest news.

A young Swiss electronics company has a plan to corner the low-tech market with a range of no-fuss, well-made products that just do the job.

Husband and wife Doug Yingst and Bonnie Sloane called upon self-taught architect David Salmela to create their vision of a light-filled residence between forest and lake, exemplifying the shifting northern seasons.

Monocle's guide to the best in spring fashion, from tailored jackets to strong accessories.

Well-made objects for home and office that have caught our eye this month, from tableware to tea towels and paper knives to pasta.

This spring sees the launch of Hôtel Americano in New York, the first overseas opening from Mexican hotel brand Grupo Habita. In a market already filled with domestic brands, the group hopes its focus on personal service and Latin flair will give it an edge over its competitors.

This month, Monocle’s travel round-up covers everything from accommodation options in the historic village of Commeire to the latest fashionable restaurant opening in São Paulo.

The North Atlantic French overseas territory may have only a few thousand inhabitants but it can count on regular flights to Canada thanks to local air carrier Air Saint-Pierre.

With a rapidly shifting media landscape and declines in newspaper sales, it might seem logical to expect paper mills to be struggling. Not so in the case of northern England’s James Cropper, whose unique colours and specialist papers have ensured healthy profits.

La Pedrera’s charm is in its simplicity. Its low-rise architecture, unspoiled beaches and vibrant artistic community are luring foreigners seeking a haven beyond the bright lights of Punta del Este.

Athens is at the forefront of a national drive to refresh Greek cuisine. We take a tour with one of its pioneers.

Cambodian pepper, the liveliest flavours from Istanbul and an interview with Marché brand strategist Kundo Koyama.

Korean-born, American-raised fashion stylist and boutique store owner Sonya Park is happy to have her last meal on her own. As she ponders the road ahead, she wants to be surrounded by the simple, homely food at her favourite restaurant in her adopted Japanese homeland.

A fish for celebration.

Density is the magic ingredient that, in the hands of the right designer, can make a hotel lobby a place you want to linger. It can also transform whole cities. That’s why we need Ministries of Density & Intimacy the world over, says Tyler Brûlé.

Egypt is swept up in a wave of euphoria as it takes bold steps towards democracy following the fall of Hosni Mubarak. But part of any future success relies on the Arab giant harnessing the potential of the Suez Canal – and the surrounding region – as it faces competition from growing superpowers, new trade routes and the ever-present threat of piracy.