Originally founded to keep the US informed about world events following the first world war, Guardian Weekly became one of the few publications available in occupied Germany, following the second world war, and was regarded as an important way for the Allies to spread the message of democracy.

Today, as well as containing a diverse range of news and comment pieces, the Guardian Weekly includes sections on culture, science, book reviews and international development.

The Guardian Weekly draws on the considerable editorial resources of the Guardian, the Observer, the Washington Post and Le Monde to offer a unique blend of international news, politics, culture and comment. Something that’s made it one of the world's best-selling international weekly newspapers.

The above quote was the statement of mission included in the very first edition of the Guardian Weekly, printed in 1919, just a week after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.