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.

South Koreans Struggle With Race

New immigrants challenge established, self-styled notions of ethnic homogeneity
Choe Sang-Hun
November 3, 2009

The Cosmopolitan Tongue: The Universality of English

Death of a language is not necessarily the death of a culture
John McWhorter
November 2, 2009

Economics Versus Extremism

A growing Muslim middle class could stem the tide of Islamic extremism
Vali Nasr
October 30, 2009

Ancient Greeks Introduced Wine to France, Cambridge Study Reveals

French high culture has roots in an ancient example of globalization
Andrew Hough
October 29, 2009

Revolution in a Box

Television spreads democracy and improves women’s rights
Charles Kenny
October 23, 2009