In The News

This Is the Sound of Globalization

Jon Pareles April 15, 2005
While nation-states maintain tariffs and strictly control immigration, music needs no passport. Artists are increasingly mixing local, traditional forms with those borrowed from other parts of the world. The New York Times compiled a list of musical fusions from every corner of the globe. Thanks to the digital production and distribution – and of course, the internet – eager listeners may access...

Globalization Is Not Made in the West

Robbie Robertson April 13, 2005
Too often, globalization is seen as an exclusively Western phenomenon, an aggressive force that often endangers indigenous cultures and ways of life. But, as Robbie Robertson writes, this view is not simply reductive – it is inaccurate. "Globalization is not about rampant capitalism, technology, or homogenization," he writes, "It is about the changed environments people create...

Asia Battles over War History

David McNeill April 11, 2005
The worsening relations between Japan and its northeast Asian neighbors sank a few notches as demonstrators in China attacked Japanese diplomatic missions and businesses. South Koreans, too, have vented their anger at Japan's attempt to whitewash history. Recently, Japan's Ministry of Education has approved history and civics textbooks for use in schools that are either silent over past...

‘Food Should Be Left Off the Free Trade Table’

April 6, 2005
Many economists believe that trade liberalization is the main driving force that created today's dynamic international market. The increasing exchange of goods and services produced and sold around the world have far-reaching implications for different localities – for better and for worse. One important area of world trade concerning this local and global relationship is agriculture, which...

Next Pope Faces Concerns Over Poverty, Islam, Technology

Laurie Goodstein April 5, 2005
Pope John Paul II's recent death sparked both worldwide mourning and speculation as to who would succeed him. When the College of Cardinals convenes for conclave in around two weeks, they will have to weigh different challenges facing the church today, and which candidate is best equipped to deal with them. Should the next pope be from Africa or Latin America and address the poverty and...

The Limitations of a Dialogue of Civilizations

Sarah Eltantawi April 4, 2005
The phrase "clash of civilizations" may be a popular framework for understanding the conflicts between the United States and the Middle East, but in the end it hinders the progress of peace and democracy, writes Sarah Eltantawi. The idea of a stiff binary – "West" versus "Muslim world" – with opposite and irreconcilable cultural poles, is unnecessarily divisive....

The First World Leader

Timothy Garten Ash April 4, 2005
The death Saturday of Pope John Paul II has released a global outpouring of grief and celebration of the life of one of the 20th century's most prominent figures. According to this Guardian commentary, the pope – born Karol Kojtyla – played the role of more than a religious figure, but an international political entity. His involvement with world leaders and his native Poland proved...