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.

Multilingual Broadcasting Gives Support to All Disaster Survivors

After the quake, shaken foreign residents in Japan benefit from new emergency services
Eriko Arita
November 4, 2004

Bridging the Mediterranean

The Barcelona process, and its off-shoot, the Anna Lindh Foundation, offers opportunities as well as challenges
Ayman El-Amir
November 15, 2004

The Dotboomers

Indian models are no longer rare on foreign fashion runways. Their gift: a look that's exotic but not easy to pin down to a geography
Shobita Dhar
October 29, 2004

The Fear That Chokes the Arab World

Self-censorship in the media may contribute to the downfall of Arab civilization
Youssef M. Ibrahim
October 30, 2004

A Graphic Film of Protest, and Cries of Blasphemy

Controversial film causes uproar in Holland, where assimilation of Muslims remains contentious issue
Marlise Simons
September 27, 2004