The New Future

After Sept. 11, one thing has become painfully clear. We live in ONE WORLD... For better or for worse.

By David Kirkpatrick

Back in August, FORTUNE hosted a conference with the immodest aim of illuminating the problems of the world. Called Brainstorm 2001, it wasn't an ordinary business event. We gathered a diverse group that shared one characteristic - they were among the smartest people we knew. Our discussions ran the gamut from wealth to war, education to environment, investing and management to design, longevity, and the risks of terrorism. We figured that if these people were so smart, they could help us better understand not only each of these challenging subjects, but also the connections between them. Our aim was to produce a special based on our discussion. We were ready to go with that on Sept. 11. Needless to say, our plans changed. If there was one subject that dominated the event, it was globalization. It is now more obvious than ever that isolation is impossible, and that the new future of the United States, and of the world as a whole, will be defined by global relationships. This is the start of a big conversation, about the shape of the new future.

Globalization

Can governments, companies and, yes, the protestors ever learn to get along?

Immigration

Mexico is depending on one man to improve the fate of those crossing the border.

Global Brands

Are KFC and Pizza Hut American symbols or have they become international?

The American Way

Companies around the world follow U.S. business practices.

Global Leaders

Sept. 11 changed the world; what's the overall impact on globalization?