Globalization the World Is Flat

Globalization

The World Is Flat a Brief History of the Twenty-First Century

Thomas Friedman"

The award-winning New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman in his brilliant new book "The World Is Flat A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" demystifies the new world for readers, letting them know and sense the often mystifying global scene which unfolds before their eyes. Having the unique ability to translate complex foreign policy and economic issues, the author explained as to how the devastation of the world happened at the dawn of the twenty-first century; what values to companies, countries, communities, and individuals; and how governments and societies can, and should adapt together (Zakaria, 2005). In other words, the book- The World Is Flat is one of the most appropriate and vital information on globalization, its accomplishment and dissatisfaction, is powerfully enlightened by one of the most respected journalists (Zakaria, 2005).

The first half of the book covers the service sector - telemarketing, computer programming, engineering, accounting and scientific research, etc. While the last 100 pages on the economic and political roots of global Islamism enlighten the kind of close reporting and confidential yet available analysis that was hard to come by (Zakaria, 2005). In addition, Friedman's winning first-person communication and masterful use of strategic wonksterisms, the book ends up on the front seats of quite a few Lexuses and SUVs of all stripes (Zakaria, 2005).

Analysis of the Book

This is his third book about global trends where Thomas Friedman discovered that the world has become smaller. As a matter of fact, as per his viewpoint the world has become so small that it now looks "flat."

Those who are his regular column readers knows that Friedman agrees with the transnational business executives as his main sources and that these developments are wanted and inevitable, and that American workers should be prepared to 'create value through leadership' and 'sell personality' (Zakaria, 2005).

Additionally, the book can be declared as a sober assessment of the hazards of the era in which everyone lives, but of course with a hope. According to the author a nation with more memories and less dreams is in problem. As an example, he reminded America was once known by the world as a nation of dream creation and realization (Zakaria, 2005). But after the politics of post 9-11 America has wiped out much of that impression. However, it is not too late to change track to reinstate the focus on dreams and on future but the decision and action should be taken now (Jones, 2005).

The first half of the book is a bit lengthy. However, Friedman is not reluctant to use the excessively appealing metaphorical phrase. But these literary blemishes do not detract from the book's strengths. Thus, the author has made a tremendous contribution to the discourse on contemporary America and globalization (Jones, 2005).

Chapter Seven, "The Quiet Crisis," ought to be compulsory reading for all parents, every educator, and every policymaker since it's an insightful analysis & perceptive of the debacle of the American education system, and a reflection of American society for its ignorance to motivate young people to choose science, engineering, math and technology fields as careers.

Similarly, Chapter Eight, "This Is Not a Test," is a must read for every CEO, manager and government official. In this chapter, Friedman has highlighted that "lifetime employment is a form of fat that a flat world simply cannot sustain any longer" (p. 284) (Jones, 2005). He argued for a policy of "lifetime employability," which is a kind of social agreement between government and business and the people that, in its simplest terms, give assurance "that government and companies will focus on giving you the tools to make you more lifetime employable." Further he also argued in support of the universal portability of pensions and health care (Zakaria, 2005).

Conclusion

The most impressive thing about this book was the stories author narrates of individuals who are making a difference in the flat world. For example, the Harvard business grads set up a company in Cambodia to conduct data entry, while another one as a businessman in India set up a school for the Untouchables. When Friedman asked the second grade children of the Untouchables as what would they like to be when they grow up, they replied "an astronaut, a doctor," etc. (p. 468). These examples should be enough reason for us to look at our own roles in the world and question ourselves, if we doing enough good, in terms of giving enough back to our nation, to our world?