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.

Roll Over, Godzilla: Korea Rules

In East Asia, South Korea is rapidly gaining the top slot as the wielder of soft power
Norimitsu Onishi
June 28, 2005

New History Text Turns a Page in East Asia Ties

Scholars in China, South Korea and Japan hope to set record straight
Chua Chin Hon
June 10, 2005

Arabs in Foreign Lands

What does the success of Arab Americans reveal about Europe, the Middle East, and the power of culture?
Moisés Naím
June 20, 2005

Africa Needs an Al-Jazeera

An independent regional news network would promote democracy and keep corrupt politicians in check
Philip Fiske de Gouveia
July 6, 2005

Islam is Gaining a Foothold in Chiapas

Long a bastion of Catholicism, southern Mexico is quickly turning into a battleground for soul-savers
Jens Glusing
June 8, 2005