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.

Hooters Comes to China

"Delightfully Tacky But Unrefined" chain comes to China
Hamish McDonald
October 23, 2004

For Its Own Reasons, Singapore Is Getting Rather Gay-Friendly

Tourist dollars are part of it, but there still are limits
Gordon Fairclough
October 26, 2004

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

Disney Is Tailoring New Park to Fit Hong Kong Sensitivities

Across the Pacific, Disney launches the Hong Kong version of an American brand
Keith Bradsher
October 13, 2004