Globalization wields powerful influence over societies and cultures. Business travelers and tourists both observe and distribute new ideas. New ideas, interactions, foods and products are tried, then embraced or discarded. With the internet or satellite television, films, publications, photographs, news reports and cartoons can travel instantly, entertaining or angering audiences around the globe. With social media like Facebook or Twitter, individuals offer news and own instant pronouncements on trends. Whether slowly through immigration or immediately online, these connections bring about some convergence of norms on fashion to human rights while also provoking challenges from traditionalists. A global society has emerged, and it’s tightly linked.

War of Words: What's in the Name “Rohingya”?

Myanmar’s fledgling democracy is marred by denying rights for a Muslim minority, urging foreigners to avoid historical term “Rohingya”
Azeem Ibrahim
June 16, 2016

The Politics of Memory: Tiananmen at 27

China’s leaders moved ahead with economic reforms soon after the Tiananmen crackdown, but silenced politics and memories
Nick Frisch
June 14, 2016

An Alternative to Boycotts or Divestment for Israel

Boycotting Israeli firms that hire Palestinians won’t deliver peace; business-housing programs like New York’s Co-op City offer an alternative
Ian Shapiro and Nicholas Strong
May 26, 2016

Bangladesh Accommodates Extremism, Spelling Danger for the Region

With a series of attacks and no crackdown on extremism, Bangladesh retreats from its secular, democratic beginnings
Sumit Ganguly
May 17, 2016

Of Two Minds on China

One side of China pursues openness and reforms; another side insists that unity and stability are paramount
Terry Lautz
May 12, 2016

March of Arab Spring on Pause

Authoritarianism has retrenched in the Middle East with new strategies to extend control
Hicham Alaoui
May 10, 2016