The world is flat. Second Edition

Author: Thomas L. Friedman (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
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 replacing the old pyramid 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 journalist and best-selling author Thomas L. Friedman. However, how to view Friedman’s prophecy entirely depends on you. (Feng Yufeng) – Named among the top books on The New York Times, BusinessWeek, and Amazon Best Seller Lists, winner of the 2005 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year. This is a book recommended by Bill Gates, who said, “It’s a book that all decision-makers, corporate employees, and freelancers must read.” MBA students everywhere 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 hallmark 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. – The New York Times
This book demonstrates 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 different figures and trends to the readers. We don’t know how the 21st century will unfold, but this book undoubtedly sparks readers’ rich imagination. – The Washington Post
This is a must-read book. Friedman explains why and how globalization has become skewed. – Microsoft Network Magazine
As one of the world’s best newspaper columnists, Friedman possesses skillful techniques to analyze various phenomena, identify connections, and draw concise conclusions. Through detailed descriptions of numerous astonishing phenomena in the global economy, he presents to readers the speed, close collaboration, and complexity of the global economy’s development. For anyone who wants to understand where the flattening of the world will take us in the next stage, this is a must-read. – The Independent
The only authorized publisher in mainland China for The World Is Flat, this is a monumental work with unparalleled insight and foresight into the global economy! Revered by global business leaders like Bill Gates, this is the only author to have won the Pulitzer Prize three times. For 64 consecutive weeks, it ranked among the top 10 bestsellers on Amazon. With nearly 10 million copies sold worldwide, it is recommended by Nobel laureate in Economics Joseph Stiglitz and endorsed by Zhou Weikun, President and CEO of IBM Greater China. IBM employees are required to read it. The Financial Times and Goldman Sachs named it the Best Business Book of 2005.
Friedman accurately 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. Whether in government, business, or social sectors, managers, employees, or freelancers, no one is immune. In The World Is Flat, Friedman divides globalization into three stages.
“Globalization 1.0” primarily refers to the integration of nations and globalization, which began in 1492 with Columbus’s discovery of the “New World” and lasted until around 1800. Labor was the driving force behind this stage, 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 drivers of this globalization—steamships, railways, telephones, and the widespread adoption of computers. This period 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 East and 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 social division of labor through the internet. This new wave of globalization is erasing all boundaries, flattening the world, and shrinking it into tiny fragments.
In this book, Friedman analyzes ten key forces driving the flattening of the world, inspiring readers to think about what the current trends mean for nations, companies, groups, or individuals.