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.

Re-Imagining Kinship

Biological parenthood is valued over all other forms – childlessness should be de-stigmatized
Amrita Nandy
May 13, 2014

Jihad in Nigeria: Past Lives On

Jihad in Africa has long complicated foreign relations, and Muslims still struggle to define and control the quest
Lamin Sanneh
April 29, 2014

Differing Approaches to Immigration on Two Sides of the Atlantic

Fierce opposition to immigration festers in US and Europe – the US political backlash will be less severe
Michael Mandelbaum
April 24, 2014

World Population Trends Signal Dangers Ahead

Governments must prepare for diverse rates of fertility, urbanization and aging population – all happening simultaneously
Barry Mirkin
April 3, 2014

Women More Educated Than Men But Still Paid Less

After centuries of male dominance in higher education, women outnumber men in attendance, graduation rates
Joseph Chamie
March 6, 2014

China Moves to End Its Codependency with US

China is striving for new economic balance and self-reliance, and the US should do the same
Stephen S. Roach
February 18, 2014