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.

The United States: Divided in More Ways Than One

Polarization on trade, security and immigration hobbles the US and its major parties, especially Republicans
Bruce Stokes
May 5, 2016

China, Russia Seek to Profit as the EU Beacon of Democracy Goes Dim

The EU – divided over debt, entitlements and refugees – confronts authoritarian politics at home and from afar
Humphrey Hawksley
April 5, 2016

International Students Find Roles in US Presidential Campaign

US colleges encourage civic engagement, so international students attend rallies, write op-eds and volunteer for presidential candidates
Paul Elish and Susan Froetschel
March 22, 2016

Whisper It Softly: Muslims Are Part of Europe's Future

Europe can’t avoid Muslims and must wage sensible, civil debate on refugees and their integration
Shada Islam
March 10, 2016

Publish and Perish in Hong Kong

China, detaining Hong Kong booksellers, demonstrates insecurity, willingness to enforce its laws across borders
Frank Ching
January 28, 2016

Abe and Blair: Political Apologies, East and West

Globalized demands for justice elicit national apologies: Abe’s for WWII sex slavery, Blair’s for Iraq War intelligence
Joji Sakurai
January 26, 2016