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.

Music Marches to Globalization’s Drum

Exploration, trade, religion, migration and war influence composers and their music
Richard Boursy
January 18, 2007

India: Emerging as Eastern or Western Power?

India can follow in the footsteps of Japan or China – or even forge its own path
Kishore Mahbubani
December 19, 2006

Globalization and God – Part II

Religious revivalism may win a few battles, but secularism will ultimately win the war
Bruce Mazlish
November 28, 2006

Viewed From Chinese Border, North Korea Is More Curiosity Than Threat

Confident in their government’s ability to control an old ally, the Chinese remain unruffled about North Korea’s nuclear program
Lauren Keane
November 9, 2006

A Clash of Civilizations in Europe?

Sensitivity over every perceived slight to religion pits Islam against European secularism
Patrick Sabatier
October 17, 2006

The Jihad and the West – Part II

Muslims could benefit from removing the word “jihad” from the vocabulary of politics
Mohammed Ayoob
September 26, 2006