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.

Democracy Isn’t “Western”

Cultural determinism misrepresents societies and misleads policy makers
Amartya Sen
March 28, 2006

China Curbs Magazines from Foreign Publishers

But censorship does not apply to magazines that cover science or technology
Geoffrey A. Fowler
April 10, 2006

Bit of Malay Culture Is Now Vanishing Under Muslim Rules

A generation gap emerges in Malaysia as fundamentalist Islam makes inroads against traditional culture
Chris Prystay
April 21, 2006

Indonesia’s Progressive Form of Islam Is Not Something That Thailand Needs to Fear

Indonesia plays a crucial role in defining a modern Islamic identity geared towards democracy
Don Pathan
April 17, 2006

After Rush to China, Manufacturers Look Back to Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia serves as reliable manufacturing alternative to fast-growing neighbor
Wayne Arnold
March 16, 2006