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.

Facebook Deletes Accounts Purporting to Be From North Korea

Friendship sought only among those with certain identities
Jun Yang
August 25, 2010

Ground Zero Mosque Debate Echoes Europe's Fears of Muslims

Upholding constitutional principles isn’t always easy
Robert Marquand
August 19, 2010

Videos Rouse Russian Anger Toward Police

As politicians and media ignore corruption, YouTube becomes public confessional
Clifford J. Levy
August 4, 2010

YouTube Banned by Russian Court

Blanket ban includes President Medvedev’s own channel
Tom Parfitt
August 3, 2010

Veil Ban: Why Syria Joins Europe in Barring the Niqab

Can a bit of cloth empower or enslave women?
Kristen Chick
July 27, 2010