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.

The Limitations of a Dialogue of Civilizations

"Clash of Civilizations" is more useful as memorable rhetoric than as concept for understanding the West and the Middle East
Sarah Eltantawi
April 4, 2005

The First World Leader

The greatest political actor of our time leaves us the challenge of moral globalization
Timothy Garten Ash
April 4, 2005

Where Faith Is a Healer

The answers to Africa's problems increasingly lie with spirituality rather than politics
Madeleine Bunting
March 28, 2005

Next Pope Faces Concerns Over Poverty, Islam, Technology

The world waits for the next leader of the Catholic Church to assume his title – and address its greatest problems
Laurie Goodstein
April 5, 2005

Confucius Says: It's Time to Learn Mandarin

China is beginning a very different cultural revolution with the launch of language centers around the world
Hamish McDonald
March 7, 2005