The World Is Flat

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ASSIGNMENT: The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman Discuss the book in general and what he means by a "flat world" and what conditions make it flat. Focus on at least one specific topic such as 10 flatteners or the 7 rules for companies

The book by Thomas Friedman, "The World is Flat", discusses the enormous changes regarding technology and communications which have altered the lives of people all over the globe (1). A large aspect in regards to the "flat world" is that we are competing with foreigners all over the world for jobs, status, and power.

Friedman states that the world is flat because he sees it as a "level playing field" with converging opportunities (4). He discusses events such as the creation of global supply chains, the Soviet bloc, and the capitalist restructuring of China which have broken down the "vertical walls" and created a single global marketplace (4). He also focuses heavily on the increasing use of technology and its ability to connect entrepreneurs all over the world. Friedman feels that the world is flattened due to the new globalized economics which have connected collaborating and competing individuals that are seeking opportunities.

Friedman discusses the oneness of the world, by writing about the flattening of our world due to several key event and forces. Friedman is overall a "technological determinist", because he focuses on the idea that technology determines what is possible for us (3). He states that our flat world has given us the exposure to several possibilities. The coming of supply-chaining as well as outsourcing are factors which contribute to the oneness of our world (3).

The 10 Flatteners

The core of the book discusses the 10 trends which Friedman thinks ...

... middle of paper ...

...ow about you but I feel that this world especially America is running way to fast already. When was the last time you stopped for a moment to appreciate the simple things in life. I believe that this is a question that we all must ask ourselves. Are we willing to trade in simplicity and beauty for technology and speed?

Bibliography

 Friedman, Thomas. "The World is Flat"." New York Times "Foreign Affairs" (2005)

13 November, 2006 .

 Drum, Kevin. "Falling flat: Thomas Friedman's recycled view of globalization." The

Washington Monthly May, 2005 1-3. 16 Nov 2006 .

 Satin, Mark. "Thomas Friedman's The World Is Flat: Where's the depth?" Radical

Middle Newsletter 15 May 2005 1. 16 Nov 2006 .

 Lotta, Raymond. "IMPERIAL TUNNEL VISION AND THE REAL WORLD." A

Jagged, Unjust, and Obsolete World: 10 Sept 2006 16 Nov 2006 .

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