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.

Suburban Riots a Recurring Feature of French Life

France's immigrant minorities riot for want of "liberté, egalité, fraternité"
Tom Heneghan (Reuters)
November 2, 2005

You Shouldn't Have to Burn Cars to Get a Better Life—Ask My Bolivian Cleaning Lady

Britain and France should study the way immigrants assimilate in the United States
Niall Ferguson
November 7, 2005

Attracting the Adults

Popular American cartoon sitcom on Egyptian television may start a cultural dialogue with the Arab world
Hicham Safieddine
October 28, 2005

Students Shun Native Tongue

In emphasizing the English language, Chinese students are neglecting their own
Liu Qing
November 11, 2005

France is Not Alone in Living Above a Volcano

Other European countries should be worried as well: unemployed and socially excluded young people are not unique to France
Michel Rocard
November 18, 2005