US corporations do business in many countries whose laws, customs, and political practices conflict with those in America.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act was designed to address one of those differences. The FCPA made it unlawful to bribe foreign government officials to obtain or retain business, even though such practices may be the norm in some other countries.

Recently, several software companies, including Google, Yahoo, and MSN, modified their software to fit the requirements of the Chinese government. The companies placed filters on their search engines blocking certain sites; one also made user and usage records available to the Chinese government. The requests were legal under the Chinese law, although they would be considered invasions of privacy in the US.

Other US laws, such as the ERA, are not followed in many foreign countries. Japan, China, India, and Saudi Arabia are just of few of the US major trading partners that do not fully respect the rights of women and/or minorities.

How much should US corporations be required to follow US laws when operating in foreign countries? Should US companies be required to do business only with foreign companies/governments whose legal and political systems follow American norms? Why or why not? Be sure to cite your sources.

Please answer in 200-400 words. Be sure to cite any sources you use.