Globalization and Culture
2003
Let Them Eat Cheese (December 11, 2003)
The rapid spread of Western-style supermarkets and fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut in China increasingly makes the Chinese middle class develop a taste for cheese. In a country with almost no real cheese production, cheese imports flourish, and slowly contribute to changing eating habits. (Far Eastern Economic Review)
Americans Are Bringing Home Baby – Increasingly from Africa (December 4, 2003)
Humanitarian impulse and the willingness to form multiracial families lead US parents to adopt more children from abroad than all other parents in the world combined. But adopting orphans from overseas also presents pragmatic advantages compared to domestic adoption: adoption costs are about half as expensive, and parents do not risk legal battles with biological mothers who wish to reclaim their children. (Christian Science Monitor)
Is France Ready for Starbucks? (September 26, 2003)
Starbucks plans to open its first location in France. While the French tradition of sipping a cup of coffee over the daily newspaper will certainly survive the arrival of the coffee chain, Starbucks' universal style of marketing might engender a new class of stressed commuters carrying paper cups of flavored coffee. (Associated Press)
War of Words (September 9, 2003)
Over the last decade, young people, advertisers and businesses in Germany have widely spread the use of "Denglish." While language purists fear that this will contribute to a further degradation of German, others argue that "sexing up" the German language with English words will make it more attractive for foreigners. (Guardian)
Aux Armes! (August 29, 2003)
The French government is fighting a loosing battle against the English language, which has emerged in sayings like "le weekend" and "le parking." But this invasion should give francophones a certain sense of deja vous, given that in 1066 William the Conqueror created modern English by combining French with Saxon languages when he lead a Norman army across the Channel to found what would become the United Kingdom. (Guardian)
Impact of Globalization (August 25, 2003)
The author debates the impact of globalization on the Arab world, arguing that cultural exchange is positive, although it runs the risk of homogenization. (Daily Star)
Making Local Languages Count (August 21, 2003)
While Africans speak over 1,000 languages, colonial languages dominate much of modern life, including the education system. But research shows that students actually learn better when speaking their native tongue. (Guardian)
Indian Companies Are Adding Western Flavor (August 19, 2003)
Indian workers' fluent English has made them the leading exporters of services to the US and Europe, but firms find that linguistic proficiency is not enough to create seamless business relationships. Workers must also learn Western customs and mannerisms, demonstrating the link between economic and cultural globalization. (New York Times)
Why More Students Are Studying Abroad (August 19, 2003)
Observers predicted US students would stay home following the September 11 attacks, but instead they have studied abroad in record numbers. The increasing importance of, and controversy surrounding, international issues at home has sent many young people to "see for themselves" what the world thinks. (Christian Science Monitor)
MTV Goes to Asia (August 12, 2003)
MTV has wooed Southeast Asian audiences by combining local music--even traditional genres previously ignored by young people--with Western pop. Cultural diversity has proven more profitable than bland homogeneity. (Yale Global)
Islam and Globalization (August 2003)
The author believes the purported conflict between Islam and globalization is better understood as Islamic resistance to "Westernization." (Fountain)
The Nine Firms That Dominate the World (August 2003)
This piece analyzes the nine transnational corporations, most based in the US, that dominate world media. (Other Eyes)
Globalization Erodes Local Languages, Fuels 'Glocal' English (July 30, 2003)
Economic globalization, particularly in the entertainment sector, has allowed English to edge out many local languages, threatening cultural diversity. (Inter Press Service)
Anglosphere: Converging Universes (July 28, 2003)
Many wonder how, despite their common language, various Anglophone nations have such different perceptions of world affairs. The author argues that "blogging" will reverse this trend by creating a single English-speaking universe in which the most salient divide will be across the political spectrum, not the Atlantic Ocean. (United Press International)
Besieged by "Friends" (July 14, 2003)
A new documentary explores how Arabs react to Hollywood's portrayal of their culture, finding that many resent the US media's stereotypical depiction of Middle Easterners and commercial influence on young people. (Salon)
Rolling Out the Old Clichés (July 11, 2003)
The recent uproar over Italian President Silvio Berlusconi's comments about German tourists shows that old stereotypes have survived European integration and remain a potential source of conflict. (BBC)
Converting the Masses: Starbucks in China (July 17, 2003)
Undaunted by the fact that the world's largest market prefers tea to coffee, Starbucks plans to generate a coffee culture in China by selling "lifestyle" along with latte. (Far Eastern Economic Review)
Economy and Culture: Looking for Public Regulation Issues (July 2003)
As the process of globalization intensifies, more and more fear that one homogenized global culture might submerge the existing diversity of ethnical, regional or national identities. This article reflects on the forms public intervention could take to prevent the massification and trivialization of cultural goods. (Planetagora)
The NBA Goes Global: Rosters Filling Up with International Talent (June 24, 2003)
With international recruits and viewers rising rapidly, the National Basketball Association is becoming a global league. (Orlando Sentinel)
Culture-Trafficking for the 21st Century (June 26, 2003)
In an interview with ColorLines magazine, artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña discusses the challenges and opportunities of cultural identity and expression in a globalized world.
A Mickey Mouse Approach to Globalization (June 16, 2003)
While certain cultural icons pervade every corner of the world, they mean different things to different people. A Big Mac may be just a burger in the US, but in Beijing it could be a sign of romance. (Yale Global Online)
Mortal Combat Rages, but 'Mortal Kombat' Rules (June 10, 2003)
Congolese children take in a steady stream of US and Hong Kong films that reflect and glamorize the very real violence occurring on the streets outside the cinemas. (New York Times)
Globalization with Few Discontents? (June 3, 2003)
Globalization remains controversial among policymakers, activists, and academics, but how does the global public perceive it? This survey finds that most people believe increasing global ties benefit their countries, although many worry about financial instability, social problems, and a loss of traditional culture. (Pew Research Center)
Madaraka, Time to Set Higher Goals for Kenya (June 2, 2003)
The patriotic day of remembrance "Madaraka" symbolizes the importance of 21st century generations to remember the struggles of African freedom fighters. In an era of globalized materialism, commercialized ownership, and rhetoric of benevolent free markets economies for Africa, the battle for human rights, democracy, and anti-imperialism still exists. (East African Standard)
Globalization & Culture: Americanization or Cultural Diversity? (April 2003)
The power of US corporations has spread throughout the world: McDonalds, Coca-Cola and Nike have branches on practically every continent. According to critics of neoliberal globalization, this is resulting in a western "cultural hegemony." Supporters of the phenomenon, on the other hand, see it as an enrichment of local cultures. This article analyzes this debate and considers the argument from both points of view. (aWorldconnected)
The Underside of Globalization: on Michael Winterbottom's In This World (April 3, 2003)
A timely film highlighting the journey of two Afghani refugees engages the increasingly important issues of migration, displacement and immigration law. Through the globalized cultural medium of film, this story of two young illegal immigrants illustrates another trend of globalization: human smuggling. (Open Democracy)
The True Clash of Civilizations (March/April 2003)
Muslim nations overwhelmingly support democratic values, negating Huntington's claim that democracy embodies the clash between Western and Middle Eastern societies. Gender equality and social tolerance constitute the real conflict between Islam and the West, despite the fact that these principles are positively correlated with democracy. (Foreign Policy)
Blair is Plunging Britain Into a Crisis of Democracy (March 13, 2003)
Blair's belligerence ignores popular opinion in the UK, even among his own cabinet members, and violates democratic values. In the face of globalized public opposition to war, his belligerence could cost him far more than initially expected. (Guardian)
Developing Countries Seek 'Non-Aligned' Digital TV System (March 11, 2003)
Technological cooperation among developing countries provides opportunities for innovation. Brazil and China spearhead a new initiative to invent a digital TV system better suited for their needs, such as reaching a higher percentage of poor people, boosting industry and bypassing patent fees to developed nations. (Inter-Press Service)
Retail Therapy (February 26, 2003)
Author John Vidal reports on the increasingly powerful Fair Trade movement that firmly opposes the inequitable global trading system. European retailers prove eager to tap into this growing market, while consumers find satisfaction in promoting social justice and equality with their wallets. (Guardian)
Our Languages Are Dying (February 24, 2003)
The nearly universal spread of European languages, particularly English, destroys the ability of small indigenous communities to keep their languages alive. More particularly, in Kenya, the fact that many languages exist on the verge of extinction forces people to fear the growing homogeneity of global communication and expression. (One World)
Deflowering Ecuador (January/February 2003)
Recent research by the International Labor Organization reveals debilitating conditions among Ecuador's flower industry workers who are adversely affected by pesticides. In the US, Valentine's Day supports the boom in rose exports, supplying well paid but dangerous employment. (Mother Jones)
Filmmakers Seek Protection From US Dominance (February 5, 2003)
French and Canadian officials attempt to block a US move to increase liberalization of services in the upcoming WTO round, with a specific focus on film, radio and television. France wants the ‘cultural-exception', which protects these industries from US dominance, to be embodied in a UNESCO convention instead of WTO negotiations. (New York Times)
Fast Food Fascism (January 23, 2003)
This article describes the "real crime" of McDonald's as being truly anti-American. The author links the culture of fast food as having direct social and political consequences. He eagerly points out that McDonald's stock has lost half its value in the past two years. (Common Dreams)
Swaziland (January, 2003)
Supporters of Swaziland's monarchy equate the movement for democracy with a modern assault on traditional Swazi values. While human rights activists condemn the Swazi government for its unfair political system and persecution of dissidents, supporters claim the system upholds the Swazi communal way of life. (Africanews)
Think Muslim, Drink Muslim, Says New Rival to Coke (January 8, 2003)
Now people who disagree with US foreign policy have a soft drink alternative: Mecca Cola. Coca Cola has been targeted because of its economic ties to Israel, and "because the war on terror has made all American brands a focus for resentment in the Muslim world." 10% of Mecca Cola's profits will go to a Palestinian children's charity. (Guardian)
2002
General Assembly President Jan Kavan highlights the role unbiased television could play in the spread of democracy, cultural diversity and freedom.
Big Development Projects Need Cultural Impact Assessments (November 18, 2002)
Klaus Toepfer, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, argues that development projects should undergo strict evaluations for their impact on indigenous peoples. The UNEP finds a strong link between the loss of language and cultural diversity in indigenous communities and the loss of biodiversity.
A Free Press is Crucial in Overcoming Global Poverty (November 14, 2002)
A free and independent press furthers social and economic development, while promoting transparency and the spread of knowledge. Observing that media privatization can often limit valuable perspectives, Joseph Stiglitz and Roumeen Islam declare that a free press exposes government and private sector corruption. (International Herald Tribune)
Net Lifeline for Mountain People (November 13, 2002)
The internet and radio have fundamentally changed life in mountainous Central Asia. Funded by the US government, independent media have reshaped life in many of these old Soviet Republics, which now have far superior access to news and entertainment. (BBC)
The Drawbacks of Cultural Globalization (November 10, 2002)
Author Wole Akande explores the destructive impact of American commercial culture on African and other non-Western social traditions. Noting the lengthy history of colonization, modernization and economic ‘development,' he sees a decline in individuality, diversity and social cohesion. (Yellow Times)
Will Forces of Globalization Overwhelm Traditional Local Architecture? (November 2, 2002)
This Washington Post article explores the tension between local and global forces which mediate architecture in global cities. Arguing that this friction has existed since the Roman Empire, the author contrasts the global style based on systematization, standardization and consumerism with traditional, indigenous design.
An All-American View of Islam (October 31, 2002)
A new American public diplomacy campaign attempting to reach Muslims across the globe stars four Muslim-Americans in a video extolling the freedom, tolerance and brotherhood that they experience daily. A few State Department officials criticize the media outreach for being condescending and simplistic; others label it "propaganda." (International Herald Tribune)
Embrace Globalization, Annan Tells Muslim States (October 29, 2002)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urges nations in North Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia to support globalization and further human development. He proposes that the region use its vast cultural diversity as an engine for innovation, and that promoting broader social development is key to "creating networks of growth." (Arab News)
To Grandparents, English Word Trend Isn't 'Naisu' (October 23, 2002)
Although English influence on Japanese language can be traced back to the nineteenth century, the current heightened intensity of its use in commerce and among youth has created a substantial barrier between generations. (New York Times)
Globalization of Beauty Makes Slimness Trendy (October 3, 2002)
Western ideals of beauty have now firmly rooted themselves in African culture. The Nigerian candidate's seizure of the Miss World title has many African youth coveting a new, skinnier notion of attractiveness. (New York Times)
Globalization entrenches itself on the Maasai (September 2002)
The battle between maintaining tradition and adapting to modernization remains a difficult one for indigenous peoples. A new organization mediates this process among the Maasai people in Kenya with a bit of help from the World Bank. (Civicus)
Talk of Beijing: A Language Revolution (September 11, 2002)
Big business and technological innovation transform the Chinese language, adding roughly a thousand words annually to the Dictionary of Modern Chinese. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences describes this market-driven trend, including an influx of English words and abbreviations, as "unavoidable." (Christian Science Monitor)
Harassment Suit in US Shifts India's Work Culture (September 5, 2002)
The New York Times analyzes a sexual harassment suit brought by an American employee against an Indian software multinational, setting precedent for global business culture.
Mexico Culturists Want a Break Today from McDonald's (September 3, 2002)
In a city that went from zero to 250 McDonald's since 1984, local cultural groups say the central plaza of Oaxaca City, named a "patrimony of humanity" by UNESCO, doesn't need another fast food restaurant. (Dallas Morning News)
Intercultural Dialogues and Cultural Security (September 2002)
This paper from PlanetAgora explores the concept of "transnational cultural security" as a way to make intercultural exchanges more reciprocal and less dominated by a few powerful economies.
‘Eat All of Your McAfrika, Honey, Because I Have a Funny Feeling There Might Be Starving People Out There Somewhere' (August 29, 2002)
"I wonder if McDonald's, its arches a great, snapping, golden maw, gobbling up one country's burger market share while digesting a bit of another continent's culture, created this product to honor the 12 million Africans doing their best to stave off unspeakable famine," says Carol Norris. (Common Dreams)
The Kimberley Declaration (August 20-23, 2002)
This declaration is a pronouncement of Indigenous Peoples groups at the International Indigenous Peoples Summit on Sustainable Development. It emphasizes global social and environmental justice, intellectual property rights and preserving indigenous cultural heritages, among other topics.
Starbucks Coffee in Mexico, New Controversy (August 24, 2002)
The opening of the first Starbucks store in Mexico presents new complexities in relations between multinational corporations and local producers. Fair trade coffee bought from growers in Chiapas remains only one percent of Starbucks' total purchase. (La Jornada)
In Impoverished Afghanistan, English Becomes International Language of Jobs and Opportunity (August 21, 2002)
Private English schools have begun to flourish around Afghanistan as people note that English is a prerequisite to finding a job. With the Taliban out of the picture, interest in learning English has increased, especially due to the amplified presence of the UN and NGOs. (Associated Press )
Scientists Call for Protection of Indigenous Knowledge (August 20, 2002)
An NGO chairman says, "Indigenous knowledge, such as systems of preserving forests, is under threat because Western or scientific knowledge does not take note of it." Scientists will present a paper discussing the need to protect indigenous knowledge at the Johannesburg Summit. (OneWorld)
Reasons Why Globalization Is Resisted by Governments (August 20, 2002)
Professor Yoshihara Kunio says those with a "stronger national language and culture base" are better prepared to handle the effects of globalization. Otherwise, globalization will imply the spread of English, which propagates American media and culture. (New Straits Times )
Japan Tries to Defend Language Against English Invasion (August 18, 2002)
Japanese people are adopting English words for which there are no Japanese substitutes to seem more sophisticated and cosmopolitan, even though many people do not know what these new words mean. The government is creating a panel of experts to create Japanese alternatives for these English words, though many believe that it is a losing battle. (Agence France Presse )
In Business of Sport, US One of Less-Free Markets (June 19, 2002)
In an increasingly globalized world, the US continues to hold a tight grip on it's sports culture. The Christian Science Monitor argues that the US "may champion free-market capitalism[…]but when it comes to sport, the boot is on the other foot."
Russian Lawmakers Try to Stomp Out Foreign Slang (June 4, 2002)
A bill banning the use of foreign slang is likely to pass by the end of the year. It's supporters claim it is needed to counteract "aggressive Americanization" of the Russian language, however critics worry it "has the potential to veer into political abuse." (Christian Science Monitor)
The Burger They Love to Hate (May 31, 2002)
McDonalds, the poster-child of globalization, comes under fierce attack from an array of anti-globalization groups as yet another restaurant opens this week in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Post analyzes the anger and controversy surrounding this particularly intense clash between culture and globalization.
The Hidden Dimensions of Globalization: What is at Stake Geoculturally (May 29, 2002)
ATTAC explores the "geocultural stakes" in modern global activity based on the premise that "cultural matters…are quite absent from contemporary strategic debates, including those about the consequences of globalization."
In Europe, Going Global Means, Alas, English (May 18, 2002)
Many European corporations and banks are using English as "the official corporate language." Businesses defend their need to become global players while some Europeans believe the trend represents "the unchallenged dominance of the United States in industry, commerce and finance." (New York Times)
In Kabary, the Point Is to Avoid the Point (May 9, 2002)
Madagascan culture focuses on "circular movement," reflected in the traditional style of communication. However, costly western products, including cell phones and email chat forums, have undermined the tradition of long, drawn-out conversations that never reach a conclusion. (Christian Science Monitor)
World's Languages Are Fast Disappearing (April 25, 2002)
English, as the "linguistic branch of the mighty American empire, has run rampant across the globe." However, the Indypendent argues that it may help to preserve some minority languages, because "speakers can use English to communicate with more powerful neighbors while maintaining primary use of their native language."
The Rap Revolución (April 14, 2002)
Hip-hop is having a growing impact on Cuban culture, amplified by official government support. The genre's ability to convey messages about police, race, power and wealth has transformed it into a global youth movement. (Washington Post)
Taiwan Battles Starbucks With Modernized Teahouses (April 7, 2002)
Lee Shen-chih, the heir to a century-old Taiwanese tea growing family, has established a chain of "stylish" tea shops, to undermine the growing popularity of American coffee chains. One customer asserts, "This place is like Starbucks, but with a bit more culture." (New York Times)
Sushi Comes Home, With Cream Cheese and Chili (April 4, 2002)
The trend for American-style sushi bars in Japan stirs up mixed feelings. The head of Japan's sushi chefs union warns that some accept the new imports, such as sushi combined with chili or mayonnaise, "but others don't regard it as sushi at all." (New York Times)
Parlez-Vous Verlan? (March 26, 2002)
In the suburbs of many French cities, teenagers have adopted a new language, "Verlan." By reversing the syllables, young people "create their own identity and fight the Americanization all around them." (BBC)
Arab Speakers See Threat to Culture by Globalization (March 21, 2002)
Dr Jassim Asfour, General Secretary of the Egyptian Cultural Council, asserts that globalization is "a bridge of brotherhood among superpowers." If Arab nations wish to embark on a fight to save their culture, they must first understand the western view of globalization. (Gulf News)
The French Language Meets Its Waterloo (March 20, 2002)
In a recent survey, candidate countries for EU membership affirm the French-speaker's worst fear: in European negotiations, English and German prove far more popular than French as the dominant working language. (Guardian)
The McDonaldization of Hong Kong (March 18, 2002)
"Sometimes when you mix two cultures you create something even more exciting!" asserts the man who introduced McDonalds to Hong Kong. Not everyone sees the introduction of American fast food chains as a beneficial to Chinese culture, however. (Radio Netherlands)
Why National Pride Still Has a Home in the Global Village (March 18, 2002)
The Internet, while bringing people closer together in the "global village," can also reinforce national identities, whether or not a nation has sovereign status. Palestine, the Falkland Islands and the Isle of Man all use domain names to assert cultural pride. (Scotsman)
Rush To Nowhere (March 2002)
Globalization and "turbo-capitalism" are causing everyday lifestyles to "speed-up," causing extreme ecological damage and cultural and political disorientation. This fast, market-driven society undermines the importance of social institutions and job security. (New Internationalist)
Buicks, Starbucks and Fried Chicken. Still China? (February 25, 2002)
In China, the influx of western brands has brought about lifestyle changes, not only to the more wealthy who can afford foreign goods, but also to the less well off, who buy copycat products from Chinese–run companies such as Jing Kelong, literally translated as "Beijing Clone." (New York Times)
Last Word Looms for Half the World's Languages (February 21, 2002)
"International Mother Language Day" highlights the threat of extinction hanging over half the world's 6000 languages. UNESCO warns that the end of a language signifies an irreversible cultural loss. (One World)
South Korean Stars Defend Film Quotas (January 28, 2002)
To attract more US investment, the South Korean government plans to end a 35 year-old quota system concerning Hollywood films. Industry members defend the system, which "maintains Korean cultural identity." (BBC)
How Sushi Went Global (November/December 2000)
Raw fish has become a potent symbol of global interconnectedness, demonstrating that culture flows not only from West to East, but also from East to West, South, North, and everywhere in between. (Foreign Policy)
Le Franí§ais? That's so Outta Here (October 22, 2001)
Just as neologisms and barbarisms has ruined English, the French language now faces a crisis, argues a member of the Institut de France. Globalization or the appearance of new languages? (Guardian)
The Rise of the Brand State: The Postmodern Politics of Image and Reputation (October 10, 2001)
With Globalization, small countries need to market their image and reputation to be considered on an equal basis: brand-building as the new policy for small countries? (Foreign Affairs)
The Danger of Liberal Imperialism (October 4, 2001)
Blair's call for a new moral order can easily deviate into a form of intellectual colonialism. (Guardian)
The Global Monoculture: 'Free Trade' Versus Culture and Democracy (Autumn 2001)
The decline of artisanship in local communities reflects the global "monoculture of the mind." More than just an economic problem, the domination of US and western values undermines the world's cultural diversity.
(Earth Island Journal)
World Culture Resists Bowing to Commerce (July 2, 2001)
Jeremy Rifkin demands that the arguments of peaceful globalization protesters be taken seriously because they represent the cultural sphere, a crucial counterweight to commerce and governments. (Los Angeles Times)
Many World Languages on Brink of Extinction (June 19, 2001)
The rate of languages becoming extinct has increased dramatically. War and genocide, fatal natural disasters, the adoption of more dominant languages, and government bans on language contribute to their demise. (Associated Press)
Muslim Countries Should Act In Concert To Shape Globalization (June 11, 2001)
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir stressed that Muslim governments have a duty to ensure that globalization would not result in the marginalisation of their countries as happened with the Industrial Revolution and Industrial Age. (Bernama)
Foreign Graduates Ask, 'What Now?' (May 23, 2001)
Diana Jean Schemo examines foreign students' feelings of cultural rootlessness upon their recent graduation from the University of Virginia. (New York Times)
Africa Can Only Use Own Culture to Influence Globalization (May 15, 2001)
Jabulani Sithole believes Africa's contribution to globalization can stem from "people-centered development," or ubuntu, in contrast with trade centered development. (afrol News)
Defending Indigenous Cultures against Globalization (May 8, 2001)
Indigenous leaders from around the world have launched a global appeal to defend their traditions against the imposition of mass culture inherent in the globalization process. (Inter-Press Service)
The Culture of Liberty (February, 2001)
Contrary to views that believe in a 'McWorldization' of global culture, Mario Vargas Llosa sees globalization as an opportunity for all individuals to recreate their identities, and propel the renaissance of a multiplicity of local cultures. (Foreign Policy)
Globalizing Democracy (September 11, 2000)
Benjamin Barber highlights the importance of a truly pluralistic transnational civil society in recovering sovereignty from corporate hands. (American Prospect)
Strong Airline Passenger Traffic Growth Expected Through 2002 (June 22, 2000)
The International Civil Aviation Organization forecasts that international aviation travel will grow at an annual rate of 5%. Asia-Pacific air travel will outperform all the other regions chiefly because of its reviving economy. (ICAO News Release PIO 09/2000)
Over Paid, Over Sexed, Over There (January 2000)
Can tourism really help relieve poverty in the countries where people live under $1 a day? The Developments quarterly gives a fresh new look at the issue.
Think American, Japanese Are Advised (January 20, 2000)
"Are the Japanese too, well . . . Japanese." A government appointed panel in Japan concludes that Japanese must embrace "Americanization and Globalization" in order to succeed in the 21st century. (Washington Post)
French Unite Against US Trade Domination (September 24, 1999)
Article in The London Times describing how the French farmers and other assorted members of have been brought together by their mutual hatred for globalization in general and McDonalds in particular.
In Debris of Economic Crash: Thailand's Faith in Authority (August 10, 1999)
Article from the New York Times about changes in Thai culture and society.
Globalisation Threatens Third World Cultures (July 12, 1999)
InterPress Service article by Thalif Deen that examines the effects of globalization on cultures in the Global South.
Tough Rules Stand Guard Over Canadian Culture (July 14, 1999)
A New York Times article that looks at cultural relations between the US and Canada. It examines how Canada has attempted to preserve certain aspects of its own culture.
As Political Borders Fade, Cultural Differences Re-emerge (April 26, 1999)
Article which looks at culture in today's world. Maintains that greater cultural sensitivity, especially o the part of Americans, is an important aspect of a globalized world.
US Seen as Cultural Imperialist (March 16, 1999)
This article examines the effects of globalization on Canadian culture while also looking at culture and consumerism on a wider scale.
Towards a New Century of American Imperialism (September 1998)
The United States intends to unilaterally fix the rules for the "electronic era" in order to assure itself global electronic mastery in the next century. (Le Monde Diplomatique)
Globalising Culture: a Non-starter? (August, 1998)
A very interesting commentary in Al Ahram Weekly which argues that many things designed to preserve cultural identity, such as electronic translation devices and pluralistic political systems, actually may end up softening the unique aspects of culture, thereby homogenizing and in essence degrading its diversity.
In Praise of Cultural Imperialism? Effects of Globalization on Culture (June 22, 1997)
Foreign Policy article which looks at globalization's interaction with culture and argues that Americans should take a primary role in the shaping of a global society and avoid the growing tendency to fear globalization.
When Market Journalism Invades the World (May 1997)
Can journalists be the voice of the voiceless in a globalized world where a few billionaires own a large part of the media? According to Le Monde diplomatique, the answer is mostly no. Instead, the media has accepted the "pensée unique" of financial markets, becoming a cheerleader rather than a watchdog for the business community.
Culture in International Relations (Spring 1996)
Article from the Washington Quarterly that reviews the recent literature on globalization and culture and works towards its own theory of cultural development.
