"Interview Amy Chua, Yale Law Professor"

Adapted from "Smithsonian" February 2008.

"The key to the rise of the Romans, the Mongols -- and the US?

"Ethnic diversity, Chua says in a new book [Day of Empire]."

QUESTION:

"How did you get interested in global issues?"

Ms. Chua's answer:

"My own family is Chinese, but from the Phillippines.

"My parents immigrated here.

"My mother was Catholic, two grandparents were Buddhist and Protestant, and my husband is Jewish.

"I'm a product of globalization."