The World Is Flat

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The World is Flat Critical Book Review Vincent Santulli and Gavin BMBA 9114 Organizational and Market Dynamics April 26, 2012 The World is Flat: A Brief History of The Twenty-First Century by Thomas L. Friedman, explores the concept of globalization, both positive and negative and its impact on the United States and the rest of the world. In its simplified form Friedman explains his meaning of the word “flat” to be “equalizing, because the flattening forces are empowering more and more individuals today to reach farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper than ever before, and that is equalizing power-and equalizing opportunity, by giving so many more people the tools and the ability to connect, compete, and collaborate.” 1 He further elaborates that this flattening effect is the most important event going on in the world today and encompasses much more than economics but everything from individual to cultural empowerment that influences politics, economics, corporate growth, communications and power Friedman begins the book by giving insight into what he was looking to accomplish with his efforts. He makes it personal using anecdotes and examples that we, the reader can easily relate to in our own lives and experiences. As he says Columbus set out for India seeking precious metals, silks and spices which were the sources of wealth in his day. “I was searching for software, brainpower, complex algorithms, knowledge workers, call centers, transmission protocols, breakthroughs in optical engineering, the wealth in our day” He continues, with enthusiasm about what the flattening of the world means and how we are

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