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.

Charlie Hebdo Attacks Stir Resolve and Contemplation

Greatest threat of Paris terror attacks: Panic and limits on democratic rights and freedoms
Stathis N. Kalyvas
January 15, 2015

China, Russia and the US Juggle Soft and Hard Power

As the global balance of power shifts, more countries try out hard power
Alistair Burnett
January 8, 2015

Clouds Over Charities for Refugees in Islamic Countries

Governments seek aid for refugees, but want to prevent charitable donations from slipping into extremists' hands
Susan Froetschel
December 18, 2014

Russian Demographics: The Perfect Storm

High mortality, low fertility and emigration of the well-educated are shrinking Russia
Joseph Chamie and Barry Mirkin
December 11, 2014

Afro-Optimism: Has the Pendulum Swung Too Far?

Rising Africa’s leaders and citizens must keep focus on education, jobs, elimination of corruption and inequality
Raila Odinga
December 2, 2014

The Olympic Games and Asia’s Rise

More Olympics games are hosted by cities beyond the West, and multinationals appreciate the expanded reach
Susan Brownell
November 27, 2014