In our pre-conference survey one of our colleagues noted that, “the word globalization has so many different meanings...! To some it means a kind of ‘McDonaldsization’, to others a 'time/space compression' leading to the 'end of geography.'  Using such a meaningless and meaningful word as a theme can be a creative opportunity or a curse.” 

In Granada, we want to deal with "globalization" as a creative opportunity. To stimulate that creativity, here are the kinds of questions other respondents are asking.

Globalization and cultural identity         

1. How do cultures adapt to the demands of globalization? What patterns of change occur? Is there a greater need to hold on to cultural differences?
2. How does globalization threaten cultural identities? Is there place for culture and identity within the process of globalization; or is culture entirely overruled by commerce?
3. What are the forms of resistance? What role does religious and political identity politics play in the global arena? What do they strive to retain and what do they willingly give up?
4. How resilient are cultural patterns. How are they impacted? Can they be or are they being destroyed?
5. While globalization appears to homogenize cultures, does it not, in fact, put a veneer on a culture’s deeply felt values and fundamental practices?
6. How do we preserve cultural identities and live preferred cultural patterns without creating ghettos?
7. Are national borders relevant to the new globalized way of living?
8. Do those who cross borders regularly really increase their intercultural sensitivity and competence?
9. What about hybrid Cultures and in-between peripherality?

10. Is there such a thing as a 'one world culture'?   If not, should there be?

1. Is there a 'culture of globalization' or of globalizers and what does that look like?   
2. What are the underlying principles guiding globalization and culture?  
3. What is the role of values in culture and globalization?
4. What is the difference and similarities between today’s globalization and colonization? Spain and the Netherlands, e.g. share a history of colonization. What's left in these cultures that helps or hinders globalization? 
5. What strengths weaknesses, opportunities, or threats do we bring to globalization from our own cultural background?
6. How can one determine the ethical guidelines to follow in a global context when cultural ethics differ?  What is globalizing 'right' and what's globalizing 'wrong'?
7. When does  globalization NOT mean 'Americanization'
8. How does convergence trigger divergence
9. What does corporate culture have to do with the Globalization process?
10. What gets globalized? Japanese Manga comics are now read throughout the world, for example. Why did they catch on over other forms of cultural expression in the global marketplace? 

Are there countertrends?

1. What are the cultural pros and cons of going global?
2. Does globalization mean he end of cultural differences or will there be a cultural resurgence in the face of globalization?
3. Communism has failed, but is there an alternative to capitalist expansionism and limitless consumerism?
4. Must globalization mean injustice and crisis in humanitarian issues in the south? What cultural biases create this?
5. Fair Trade, the Slow Food Movement?  What are the emerging counter trends to globalization? Are they really counter trends?

Dangers, crises, challenges and opportunities

1. How has globalization forever changed life for all of us in commerce, education, and social patterns?
2. What dangers does a culture of globalization pose for climate and nature?
3. How can we more effectively use globalization itself as a way to deal with global issues such as climate change and its impact on the environment and societies?
4. Sustainable development and corporate social responsibility
5. Are there any positive effects of globalization? Will globalization lead to better intercultural communication? 
6. How does the globalization of media impact Cultures?  What are its consequences?
7. Is globalization antihuman, creating a future that benefits only the “big players,” at the expense of the man on the street?,
8. What is the role of communication and commerce in the theme of culture and globalization?
9. How can diversity in communication be a factor in successful global business? 
10. What hurdles must one jump to be successful in the global world? 

What role(s) do I play as an interculturalist and an individual in globalization issues?

1. Where am I as a human on a continuum from national traditional culture to global interactive culture?
2. How does being human express itself in one's culture in a global world?
3. How do we subsist a individuals as well as parts of a whole in the globalized environment?
4. What is the role of the interculturalist in addressing globalization issues? 
5. How can we take an interdisciplinary approach to study the links between cultures and globalization?
6. How do we leverage our best in cultural identity and break out of the “we-they” mindset?
7. What is the shape of intercultural dialogue across global markets?
8. Strategy - how do I integrate Globalization from a cultural point of view?
9. I am interested in the role of culture in health care. Being a doctor, I am confronted with differences in attribution (the way people think about the origin of their problems). In my opinion there must be consensus in that area. If there is consensus, it enhances the possibilities of treatment.
10. What new arenas should I enter as an interculturalist to have a greater impact on global decision making?