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.

Hookah Bar Becomes the ‘Anti-Loudoun’

Suburban American youth enjoy a Middle Eastern tradition
Michael Alison Chandler
January 20, 2006

Immigration’s Role Often Overlooked in Global Economy

Politicians talk about global poverty, but close doors to immigrant labor
Leif Brottem
February 21, 2006

So Long Dalai Lama: Google Adapts to China

Google’s new Chinese search engine is custom-made for censorship
Joseph Kahn
February 15, 2006

At Mecca Meeting, Cartoon Outrage Crystallized

Anger bred by Danish cartoons dovetails with the interests of Middle Eastern states
Hassan M. Fattah
February 9, 2006

Gunning for the World

A conservative US lobby goes global
David Morton
January 13, 2006