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.

Arab Press Welcomes NATO Split

BBC survey finds glee over great powers' disunity.
February 12, 2003

From New York to Melbourne, Protest Against War on Iraq

Millions of protesters gather worldwide to peacefully demonstrate against a war on Iraq.
Robert D. McFadden
February 16, 2003

Jordanian Assaulted

A Jordanian man is assaulted in Germany, with xenophobia as the most likely cause.
January 10, 2003

An Illicit Paradise for the Motion Picture Buff

China’s booming movie piracy industry has resulted in losses for American studios, but there may be a bright side to all this.
Richard McGregor
February 18, 2003

For More Japanese, Love is a Multiethnic Thing

Many Japanese are finding spouses in the last place they ever thought to look: China.
Howard W. French
August 31, 2002