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.

Massacre Draws Self-Criticism in Muslim Press

In rare displays of candor, Arab commentators express disgust for fundamentalist violence
John Kifner
September 9, 2004

Wedding Vows Can Lock Danes Out of Their Homeland

Commuting couples in Denmark tell the story of the country’s unease about non-European immigrant population
Richard Bernstein
September 10, 2004

Purity of Chinese Language Debated

Officials insist that Chinese must maintain integrity to become the next major world language
September 13, 2004

Turban Chaos

Matters come to a head for the Sikh community in Paris as schools enforce the ban on religious symbols
Ranvir Nayar
September 14, 2004

The Dark Side of Globalization

Trafficking and transborder crime to, through, and from Eastern Europe
Richard Gunde
May 26, 2004