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.

In Germany, Harder Line Looms

Bavarian probes into Muslim groups may foretell deeper scrutiny
Ian Johnson
September 16, 2005

Dangerously Unique

Why the Western definition of "normalcy" can be costly for everyone else
Moisés Naím
September 20, 2005

Muslim Malaysian Sailors Denied Jobs over Terror Fears

What's in a name? Suspicious syllables keep Muslim sailors grounded
September 19, 2005

All Cultures Are Not Equal

"While global economies are converging, cultures are diverging," writes David Brooks
David Brooks
August 11, 2005

An Islamic Alienation

A great many of Europe's Muslims don't fit in, and won't
David Rieff
August 15, 2005