Forget the World Cup. Culture is becoming more fragmented

For those who thought that globalisation would lead to a stale, worldwide monoculture, in which everyone heard, watched and played the same things, the local revival is something of a surprise. Global audiences can still be commanded by a handful of stars and events, such as the men’s football World Cup with an audience of billions. Yet they are becoming the exception. As global streaming platforms permeate new markets, local culture is proving remarkably resistant. America’s grip on worldwide popular culture is loosening. And in some cases, new technology is pushing the globalisation of entertainment unexpectedly into reverse. Spotify, which…