Some of our British readers ask why we spell 'globalization' with a 'z'. Isn't that the American spelling? Shouldn't we, as a London-based organization, call ourselves the 'Globalisation Institute'?

'Globalization' is a more international spelling of the word, and we have an international audience. The word is spelt with a 'z' in Spanish, and it is possible we will publish a Spanish edition of our site if there is demand. The Geneva-based international institutions, like the International Labour Organization, use the 'z'.

Besides, the Oxford English Dictionary - the leading authority on British English spelling - prefers 'globalization' to 'globalisation'. The Penguin Dictionary only lists 'globalization' and has no reference to 'globalisation'.

Globalization: it's not as American as you might think.