The World is Flat - Second Edition

Author: (American) Thomas L. Friedman, translated by He Fan, Xiao Yingying, Hao Zhengfei
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 advancement and capital flow, with an unpredictable outcome—a new flat social structure replacing the old pyramid structure. The floating and unpredictable temporal and spatial shifts, the rich and varied case studies, and the slightly exaggerated narrative style, 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 on the New York Times, BusinessWeek, and Amazon Book Best Seller Lists, 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, congressmen, and senators across the United States are discussing "The World Is Flat," while university presidents are advising students to read "The World Is Flat" before joining companies. Some business schools even require new students to read "The World Is Flat" before enrollment. – Fortune This is an uplifting 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? – The New York Times This book demonstrates Friedman’s talent for analyzing complex economic phenomena in an accessible way and his insight into global development 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 history of the 21st century will unfold, but this book undoubtedly inspires readers to imagine. – 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 cooperation, and complexity of the global economy. For anyone who wants to understand where the flat world process will take us in the next stage, this is a must-read. – The Independent The only authorized exclusive publisher in mainland China for "The World Is Flat," a monumental work with unparalleled insight and foresight into the global economy! Admired by global business leaders like Bill Gates, this landmark work is the only one by a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning financial writer. Consistently ranked among the top 10 bestsellers on Amazon for 64 weeks, with nearly 10 million copies sold worldwide. Recommended by Nobel laureate in economics Joseph Stiglitz. Strongly endorsed by Zhou Weikun, President and CEO of IBM Greater China. IBM employees are provided with one copy each. The Financial Times and Goldman Sachs’ 2005 Best Business Book of the Year. Friedman has pinpointed 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, starting from 1492 when Columbus discovered the "New World" and lasting until around 1800. Labor drove this stage of globalization, 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 for 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 spread 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. 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?