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.

Chinese Meals Are Tops When Britons Eat Out

For the British it’s no longer fish & chips: Chinese and Indian battle it out for top meal choices.
Alfred Lee
August 12, 2002

Islam, Disney Style

One of the first animated films on Islam, Muhammad (Pbuh) The Last Prophet shows the compassionate and charitable side of the Muslim world in times of much misunderstanding.
Amina Elbendary
November 28, 2002

Malaysia Outlaws 'Insulting' Brad Pitt Ads

An Asian face would be better, government says.
Claire Cozens
December 17, 2002

Number of Hong Kong Emigrants Hit 22-Year Low Last Year

A fast expanding China is attracting a large number of once upon a time émigrés back to Hong Kong.
February 4, 2003

Thais Flock to China for Higher Education

Lower fees and China’s growing economic might attract Thais to Chinese universities.
February 21, 2002