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 Gay Sons of Allah: Homophobia Sweeps the Muslim World

Homosexuals suffer at the hands of relatively liberal regimes battling domestic Islamism
Juliane von Mittelstaedt, Daniel Steinvorth
September 21, 2009

Chinese Jeans Bearing Name of God Anger Iranians

Knowing your market has a cultural element is often forgotten
Robert Tait
September 16, 2009

Vietnam Brewers Fight Global Giants By Popularizing Kegs of 'Fresh Beer'

Bia hoi and dried squid trump beer and chips in Vietnam
James Hookway
September 15, 2009

The Political Costs of Caning Kartika

Malaysia caught between domestic religious sensibilities and global opinion
Farish A. Noor
September 1, 2009

Nigeria’s ‘Taliban’ Enigma

Mysterious extremists oppose “Western-style” education
Joe Boyle
July 29, 2009