The World Is Flat
Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat takes an indepth examination of the influences shaping business and competition in a technology-fueled global environment is a call to action for governments, businesses and individuals who must stay ahead of these trends in order to remain competitive.
In a narrative punctuated by case studies, interviews and sometimes surprising statistics. His message is clear: be prepared, because this phenomenon waits for no one. As we explore America’s place in the fast-evolving world economic platform.
The World is Flat is an historical and geographical journey spanning a broad range of industries, cultures and schools of thought, the real-world examples presented as evidence of his theory are undeniable.
It leaves no stone unturned in a quest for answers to a problem that most cannot even define. The book’s dissection of globalization is a valiant attempt at explaining and understanding the forces driving the flattening of the world, though he admits that the very nature of beast prevents one from having all of the answers.
As Friedman moves towards the end of this presentation of his theory, he warns of the forces that could seriously harm or slow the flattening of the world, particularly the threat posed by terrorist networks such as Al-Qaeda. His perspective is refreshing in a media driven largely by scare tactics and fear mongering as he encourages a realistic and objective approach to this threat.
As people become more able to collaborate, compete and share with others of different cultures, religions, educational backgrounds and languages, The World is Flat is a necessary reality check to bring these factors into perspective and offer, if not answers to every problem, the drive to uncover working solutions.