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.

Iranians Turn Off State TV After Soap Is Dropped

Iran’s state television takes a back seat to foreign programming
Najmeh Bozorgmehr
October 20, 2010

New Dissent in Japan Is Loudly Anti-Foreign

Discontents study the US Tea Party movement as role model for anger
Martin Fackler
August 31, 2010

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Moving From South Asia to US

Traveling resistant bacteria could disrupt medical tourism
Donald G. McNeil Jr.
August 26, 2010

Shariah in Aceh: Eroding Indonesia’s Secular Freedoms

Religious laws become an easy excuse for abuse
Dewi Kurniawati
August 26, 2010

The Burden of Thirst

Water collection remains a major source of gender inequality
Tina Rosenberg
August 25, 2010