Great study - a bit skewed
Thomas Friedman's study of globalization is justly famous for showing how national boundaries are almost erased in our global economy and communications. He tends to look at the bright side, however. There are some amazing examples of just how integrated this system is--like when the cashier at Walmart scans your item, a message is instantly sent all the way to the manufacturer to make a new one. The world is flat in the sense that we're all in one global community. His claim that the playing field has been leveled, however, is overly optimistic. The bailout of the American auto industry is an example. He focuses on India, showing how well Indian professionals can succeed off of American business. That's true, but far more Indians are dying from poverty, selling their organs or their kids. Overpopulation, depletion of resources and the growing gap between rich and poor are also exacerbating cultural conflicts that move us further apart. Friedman makes some reference to the downside of globalization and those who fight against it, but leans much further to the positive side. Likewise, he is quite vague about how good old American ingenuity will keep us competitive as more and more work is shipped overseas.
A Must Read!
This is one of the most important insights presented since "Future Shock" and "Megatrends." Thomas Friedman presents a clarion call for individuals, businesses and nations facing global dynamics of a scope and speed unparalleled in human history. His perception is brilliant and his argument compelling and thorough.
One flaw is his tendency to insert his political agenda. For example, he starts one chapter with a quote from Lyndon Johnson's 'Great Society' speech. This is ironic since Friedman makes such a powerful case for a Great Society requiring that its people be empowered to be full participants in the global juggernaut now occurring. This clashes with a program that was designed to make people feel more comfortable in poverty rather than find a way out. Perhaps he is more focused on Johnson's words than his accomplishments.
In spite of that "The World is Flat" is a powerful wake-up call for America--a survival guide in every sense of the term. This is a MUST READ.
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