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.

Tread With Caution in Highly Sensitive Burma

New connections for Burma introduce rapid change and could prompt backlash against globalization
David I. Steinberg
February 13, 2014

Americans Want to Turn Away From World’s Problems

US public and foreign policy elites agree – the nation should mind its own business
Bruce Stokes
January 16, 2014

Easing One-Child Policy May Be Too Late

China’s one-child policy lifted living standards, but set a hard-to- reverse trend of demographic decline
Joseph Chamie
January 7, 2014

Globalization Helps Preserve Endangered Languages

A globalized internet connects and helps vanishing languages endure
Mark Turin
December 3, 2013

Will a Rising China Be a Responsible China?

China’s Communist Party plans reform and rise combined with tight security grip
Frank Ching
November 28, 2013

The Dilemma of Desperation Migration

Humanitarian aid adds incentives for migrants to take risks in fleeing homelands
Joseph Chamie
November 14, 2013