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.

Among the Lucky Few: Syrian Family Rebuilds in America's Heartland

Diverse faith groups team up to provide aid
Ari Shapiro
October 21, 2015

The German Lynchmob: Islamophobe Movement Returns With a Vengeance

Radical positions on refugees attract new followers for Pegida
Maik Baumgärtner, Maximilian Popp, Jörg Schindler and Wolf Wiedmann-Schmidt
October 15, 2015

The Insecurity Underpinning Xi Jinping’s Repression

Tightening internal security measures could hamper economic progress
Jerome A. Cohen
September 28, 2015

How the Piano Became Chinese

China produces 80 percent of the world’s pianos
Sheila Melvin
September 14, 2015

Migrants' Bodies Pulled From Mediterranean

Disparate laws challenge border enforcement
Ahmed Elumami and Marton Dunai
August 31, 2015