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.

Inside the Migrant "Jungle" in Northern France

Refugees leave all behind to flee brutalities in their homelands
Peter Wieben
August 26, 2015

Denmark: First EU Country Planning to Run Anti-Refugee Adverts in Foreign Papers

Far-right parties gain traction by opposing immigration of desperate refugees
Emmanuel Akinwotu
August 20, 2015

Beheaded Scholar Refused to Lead ISIS to Hidden Antiquities

History and diverse beliefs threaten the Islamic State
Kareem Shaheen and Ian Black
August 19, 2015

China’s Soft-Power Push

The nation spends billions, but arbiters on soft power worry about tight government controls
David Shambaugh
August 13, 2015