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.

China's ‘Big Mamas' in a Quandary

Caught between the urge to repress and to make use of the Internet, Beijing sees its power eroded
Paul Mooney
April 12, 2004

Democracy Gains in Southeast Asia's Islamic Nations

Despite extremist threat, pluralism flourishes in Islamic Indonesia and Malaysia
Goenawan Mohamad
April 16, 2004

China’s Quiet Activists

Work by a network of NGOs to help people without challenging authorities gains new recognition
Shawn Shieh
February 25, 2009

Slumdog Paradox

Every city, every nation, has its riches and flaws – and globalization exposes them all
Sadanand Dhume
February 4, 2009

Headscarf Ban Misses the Point

France's proposed law illustrates cultural divide between the state and its Islamic population
Shada Islam
January 30, 2004

Global Elites Must Heed the Warning of Populist Rage

Inequality and stagnant incomes threaten democracies
Martin Wolf
July 21, 2016

The Failure of Free Migration

Security is essential to acceptance of big waves of migration
Robert Skidelsky
July 20, 2016

Black Lives Matter Is a Global Cause

Protests in other countries reflect deep concerns over inequality
Ishaan Tharoor
July 13, 2016

Chinese Language Newspapers in Australia

Non-Chinese speakers don’t realize how much propaganda is released within their own borders
Kelsey Munro and Philip Wen
July 13, 2016

Want Better Cities?

6,000 years of data could offer new insights and lessons for urban planners
Liz Stinson
July 8, 2016