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.

Moroccan-Born Mayor Dispenses Tough Love to Immigrants

Mayor expects immigrants to pursue opportunity by integrating into Dutch society
Erich Wiedemann
August 6, 2007

For Chinese Filmmakers, Success Can Sting

China has limited success producing blockbuster movies
David Barboza
July 9, 2007

Text Messages Giving Voice to Chinese

Chinese citizens use technology to change Communist Party politics
Edward Cody
July 10, 2007

The Life of the Chinese Gold Farmer

Chinese workers turn play into drudgery
Julian Dibbell
July 4, 2007

The Prison Poets of Guantanamo Find a Publisher

Poems originally scratched into Styrofoam cups achieve literary acclaim from US university press
Yochi J. Dreazen
June 21, 2007