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.

Illegal Immigration Illogic

With loose enforcement, implicit message on immigration: if you make it, you can stay
Joseph Chamie
July 22, 2014

The Islamic World and the West: Recovering Common History

Europe overlooks long history of good exchanges with Arab-Islamic world and encourages defensive posture
Nayef Al-Rodhan
July 15, 2014

Islam – Up for Grabs

Islam has no centralized controls; any power-hungry despot can use religion as an excuse
Ooi Kee Beng
June 26, 2014

Call for Inclusiveness May Not Work for Middle East's Sectarian Divide

In Syria and Iraq, ISIS exploits power voids, frustrations over minority rights, and Sunni-Shia divide
Dilip Hiro
June 18, 2014

Europe Divided Over Immigration, Work Ethics

Aging, wealthy Europe turns on immigrants for a willingness to work for low wages
Pallavi Aiyar
June 5, 2014

The Legacy of Tiananmen Square

Crackdown on June 4, 1989, cowed the Chinese people and the world, eroding democratic values
Johan Lagerkvist
June 3, 2014