THE SALESMAN OF THE GLOBALIZATION OF ECONOMIES: THOMAS FRIEDMAN

STEEL (2005) THE NEW REPUBLIC, 9/5/35-37.

Thomas Friedman in his new THE WORLD IS FLAT is an engaging writer and speaker. He also has a very down to earth presentation. His previous books have been best sellers and garnered critical awards.

His new book is similar to others. He is a pop king of the global information society. He is also well connected and the reader is introduced to highly situated and power people, intellectuals, and think tank types and related.

Unfortunately he overlooks or pays little time talking about the millions of people who lose the jobs do to globalization and what to do about them once their dumped. He suggests retraining, but will the new job pay much? How long will the job last?

Globalization help the rich and are financed by every one else. Other countries may be competitive only if they can bring in bottom wages. So wages head south for everyone except the rich and some high techies.

If this goes into a second edition, it should have a section on the downside of globalization. Most every social change has at least 2 sides.