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 New Barons of Bordeaux

Chinese investors invest in French vineyards – with their own ideas on success
Pallavi Aiyar
September 12, 2012

Beyond Factory Floor: China’s Plan to Nurture Talent

Determined to hone innovation, China reforms education, invests in talent incubators
Xu Liyan, Qiu Jing
September 10, 2012

Beijing Unflustered by Cool Ties With Seoul

South Koreans blame their government for deteriorating relations, as China stands pat
Scott W. Harold
August 14, 2012

How Weibo Is Changing China

Weibo is just 3 years old, but its posters are fierce in tackling China’s challenges
Mary Kay Magistad
August 9, 2012

Reform Sprouts in North Korea?

Kim Jong Un’s timid glasnost may signal shift in emphasis from military to economic development
John Delury
July 26, 2012

Three Myths About the Arab Uprisings

Ellen Lust and Jakob Wichmann
July 24, 2012