Why is Chapter 15 entitled The Unflat World?
In chapter 15 of the book by Friedman, he addresses the fact that the world is still unflat. In this case, the arguments are that the world is still not fully globalized since there are many barriers. Some countries have put in place barriers preventing the globalization process due to their belief that the process has negative effects on their economies.
Is Friedman a technological determinist? What rationale, or belief, does he talk about to justify his opinions?
Friedman is a technological determinist. This is due to the fact that he supports the fact that technology will continue to improve and spread to all parts of the world. There are no grounds of resisting the spread of technology considering its advantages. The political, social, and economic systems of countries are not in a position to resist technological transfer. Friedman argues that technology will eventually spread to all parts of the world and the communities affected will try to improve this technology. Therefore, even though these countries are opposing globalization, they will finally find it in their home countries after the influence of technology has been witnessed in these countries.
Too Sick
According to Friedman, there are many factors hindering flattening of the earth. These factors have been categorized into four groups. The first is that people are too sick. In this case, Friedman argues that the developing countries have failed to control even the simplest diseases. These countries currently concentrate on dealing with these diseases. They have no resources to facilitate the globalization through investment on technology.
Too Disempowered
The other problem is the group of people who are disempowered. This group of people is not underdeveloped or developed. They are in between the two stages. These people resist globalization at all costs. This is because they look at the negative effects of globalization only. They do not look at the positive effects of the process. They therefore advocate for control of the globalization process.
Too Frustrated
The other group of too frustrated individuals is also preventing the globalization process. This group believes that they are the best in everything only to find out that other people are progressing faster than they are doing. They are therefore frustrated by this situation.
Too many Toyotas
Too many Toyotas is another hindrance to flattening process. In this case, some countries are manufacturing and using too many vehicles. The worry is that these vehicles are likely to deplete the oil reserves and this will bring to an end the need to continue producing vehicles.
What is the “supply-chain-symphony “?
Supply chain sympathy is whereby the supply of an illegal product is allowed because the product is so important. For example, polythene pollutes the environment even though they are used in many countries. Some of these countries have put laws against use of these packaging materials.
What are traditional threats?
Traditional threats to globalization are the fear of exploitation of a country by the more developed countries. When two countries with different levels of development trade with one another, it is possible to that the more developed one benefits more. The less developed will assume that the other country is exploiting its resources and it will tend to put in place barriers against globalization.
How does Friedman think these geopolitical threats might be moderated or influenced by the new forms of collaboration fostered and demanded by the flat world? What is your opinion?
My opinion is that the collaboration that is taking place between countries is breaking the geopolitical limitations of globalization. This is because the collaborations are reducing the barriers to trade; people will see advantages of globalization and hence will open up for more trade.
What is Friedman’s point when he says that “no two countries that both had a McDonald's had ever fought a war against each other since each got a McDonald’s?”
About Mc Donald issue, Friedman means that if two countries are at the same level of economic development, there is no reason why they will resist trade with each other. This is because their firms have equal chances of succeeding in the global market. Such countries cannot fight in wars since fights will affect both countries negatively.
What is the “Dell theory of conflict Prevention?”
Dell theory of conflict prevention means that when two countries collaborate in trade, they develop relationships that make it difficult to go for war because of conflicts. Therefore being in trade with each other solves conflicts.
What implications are discussed when Friedman brings up al-Qaeda?
For all these reasons we are just at the beginning of understand the geopolitical impact of the flattening of the world.” What is he saying?
The beginning of geopolitical impacts implies that the world has not yet realized the full benefits of globalization. It is expected that more benefits of globalization will be realized as more countries collaborate to trade.
What does he refer to as the mother of all unflatters?
Friedman refers technology to be the mother of all. This is because this factor t has accelerated globalization by providing better methods of communication, transport, and marketing of products.
If we are not going to shut down the Internet and all the other creative and collaborative tools that have flattened the world, and if we can’t restrict access to them, the only thing we can do is influence the imagination and the intentions that people bring to them and draw from them.” (pg. 604) Do you agree or disagree? Can you think of another solution? What is it?
I agree with the statement. Another problem to the issue would be to put laws regulating the use of internet in a country instead of closing the internet.
The readings from Friedman will impact the way technology affects our lives in various ways. First, the readings have enabled people, organizations and national realize the importance of being ahead in terms of technology. With this knowledge, people will ensure that they use the most recent technology t ensure that they compete effectively in the competitive world. The article also has enabled individuals to realize how technology is helping individuals get access to products they wish to purchase even though from far distances.
Friedman has made people realize the negative part of technology. For the developing countries, they are losing and unless necessary measures are taken, these countries will remain undeveloped. With the information from the article will help the government of various developing nations to realize the importance of investing heavily on the development of technology.
With the readings, it is now possible to appreciate the advantages that the new technology has brought to the economy. There many benefits that people, governments and organizations have realized from technology. The readings have also availed some other forms of technology that are available that can benefit the society. The article has helped in identification of new technologies that many firms, people, and government will adopt.
