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.

Drop in Students Abroad Threatens Japan's "Edge"

Japanese students remain reluctant to go overseas for college
Crystal Wong
May 21, 2007

Africa’s Storied Colleges, Jammed and Crumbling

With universities in crisis, Africa loses many of its future leaders to study abroad
Lydia Polgreen
June 4, 2007

Feminist, Socialist, Muslim: Woman Puts Denmark Into Turmoil

One person can be the mirror that reflects the future of her society
Ian Traynor
May 17, 2007

“Halal” Labels Experiencing a Supermarket Boom

Anticipating profits, grocery stores make room on shelves for food prepared under Islamic guidelines
Peter Ziegler
April 13, 2007

West Rises in China’s Back Yard

A growing middle class in China increasingly favors housing designs with European themes
Ariana Eunjung Cha
April 17, 2007