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.

Dutch Virtue of Tolerance Under Strain

Is Muslim extremism or failed multiculturalism to blame for the trouble in the Netherlands?
Roger Cohen
November 17, 2005

Many Wary of Faith-Based TV

An Egypt-based satellite channel hopes to promote Christianity without offending Muslims
Reem Nafie
November 18, 2005

China Spending Billions to Better Universities

Despite rapid growth, the country's universities still lack academic freedom
Howard W. French
October 27, 2005

The Home of English Football's Most Ardent Fans? Uganda

Thanks to advances in telecommunications technology, soccer-mania has taken hold of Ugandan audiences
Evelyn Kiapi Matsamura
September 30, 2005

French Lesson: Taunts on Race Can Boomerang

Fascinated by the racial fallout from Hurricane Katrina, France struggles to come to terms with discrimination at home
John Tagliabue
September 22, 2005