World is Flat - Second Edition

Author: Thomas L. Friedman
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The world has become flat refers to the transformation the world is undergoing under the dual impetus of technological development and capital flow, with an unpredictable outcome—a new flat social structure will replace the old pyramid-shaped social structure. Floating and unpredictable temporal and spatial shifts, colorful case studies, a slightly exaggerated narrative style, and deliberately crafted rhythm showcase the extraordinary ability of Thomas L. Friedman, a journalist and best-selling author. However, how to view Friedman’s prophecy entirely depends on you. (Feng Yufeng)—Nominated for the New York Times, BusinessWeek, and Amazon Book Rankings, winner of the 2005 British "FT/Goldman Sachs" Financial Book Award. This is a book recommended by Bill Gates, who said, "This is a book that all decision-makers and corporate employees must read." All MBAs are reading "The World Is Flat."——《BusinessWeek》
Governors and congressmen across the United States are discussing "The World Is Flat," university presidents are advising students to read it before joining companies, and some business schools even require new students to read it before enrollment.——《Fortune》
This is an inspiring book about globalization, highly readable. One of the signs of a great work is that it can make you see things from a new perspective, and Thomas L. Friedman has clearly succeeded in doing so. In his challenging arguments, he tells us what this new world means for us?——《New York Times》
This book showcases Friedman’s talent for analyzing complex economic phenomena in an accessible way and his insight into global trends. It’s hard to put down. Friedman provides a comprehensive analysis of the flat world, presenting various figures and trends to the readers. We don’t know how the 21st century will unfold, but this book undoubtedly sparks readers’ rich imagination.——《Washington Post》
This is a must-read book. Friedman explains why and how globalization has become skewed. As one of the world’s best newspaper columnists, Friedman possesses the skill to analyze various phenomena, identify connections, and draw concise conclusions. Through detailed descriptions of numerous astonishing phenomena in the global economy, he presents the speed, close cooperation, and complexity of the global economy to readers. For anyone who wants to understand where the flat world process will take us in the next stage, this is a must-read book.——《Independent》
The only authorized exclusive publisher in mainland China for the book, a monumental work with unparalleled insight and foresight into the global economy! Revered by global business leaders like Bill Gates, this landmark work is the only one by a Pulitzer Prize-winning financial writer to appear on the Amazon Best Sellers list for 64 consecutive weeks. With nearly 10 million copies sold worldwide, it is highly recommended by Nobel laureate in economics Joseph Stiglitz and endorsed by Zhou Weikun, President and CEO of IBM Greater China.
The Financial Times and Goldman Sachs named it the Best Business Book of 2005. Friedman pinpointedly points out the future direction of the world. "Globalization 3.0" will profoundly impact every aspect of our economy, society, and politics, changing the way we work, live, and even survive. Governments, businesses, social sectors, and managers, employees, and freelancers in all industries are not exempt.
In "The World Is Flat," Friedman divides globalization into three stages. "Globalization 1.0" primarily involves the integration of nations and globalization, starting from 1492 when Columbus discovered the "New World" and lasting until around 1800. Labor drove this phase, during which the world shrank from large to medium-sized. "Globalization 2.0" is the integration of companies, spanning from 1800 to 2000. The invention and innovation of hardware became the main driving force—steamships, railways, telephones, and the widespread adoption of computers. This phase was interrupted by the Great Depression and two world wars, during which the world shrank from medium to small.
In "Globalization 3.0," individuals become the protagonists. Skin color or cultural differences between the East and the West are no longer barriers to cooperation or competition. The continuous innovation of software and the proliferation of the internet allow people around the world, including in China and India, to easily achieve their social divisions through the internet. This new wave of globalization is erasing all borders, making the world smaller and more compact.
In this book, Friedman analyzes ten key forces driving the flattening of the world, inspiring people to think about what the current trends mean for nations, companies, groups, or individuals.