The World is Flat

Book Review

The book The World is Flat: a Brief History of the Twenty-First Century is written by Thomas Friedman and looks at globalization throughout the 21st century. It must be noted that the title of the book is a metaphor for seeing the earth as a level playing ground. This is in terms of business, where all participants have an equivalent opportunity. Moreover, the title of the book alludes to the immediate change needed for nations, individuals, and organizations to become more competitive in a world market, where geographical and historical divisions have turned out being unrelated. Reflecting on this context, this paper presents a book review from a broad perspective.

With the purpose of understanding Friedman's purpose and argument in writing the book, it is essential to describe the meaning of the title. To describe it, it implies that the current environment has a level playing ground that nothing is automatically managed from the super powers. The United States remains being the world's superpower. Despite this, the author points out that the rest of humanity is progressively drawing near. In other words, Friedman implies that other countries will quickly draw level and probably exceed the superpower in terms of technology and economy.

He supports his arguments through the use of examples and illustrations. For instance, he provides a detailed examination of several flatteners that have affected the world up to date. Some of these flatteners analyzed in the text include the fall of Berlin Wall and the time Netscape went public. The entire world is becoming equal in terms of education. A small number of learners are graduating in the most significant fields of science and mathematics. Regardless of this, in countries like China and India, several learners obtain degrees in such fields, although doors are being closed for those learners. These factors are causing many to lose field.

Several American organizations are going global thus; such organizations will employ the best workers from all over the world. Unlike in the past where American companies would rely on their skilled personnel, the world has changed, and nowadays hiring of the best people is done across cultures. The author does not imply that the flattening of the world is an awful thing, but points out that it is the call for America to wake up. Friedman backs his arguments through the use questions for instance, "does your society have more memories than dreams"?

As a point of conclusion, it is agreeable that the author of the book provides a good job in describing where the world is at the moment, what the upcoming holds, and what must be done about the future. America will not remain as the world superpower eternally, and so it is the call to get prepared to work and live in a flat world.

 

#