I previously read the follow-up for this book, but it made me want to go back and read this one. Friedman is a well-known columnist and writer for The New York Times, for which he has won three Pultizer Prizes. He is basically looking at history and current trends to examine whether or not there is still a division between the West and the Third World. He starts his examination by looking at a number of important dates, including those in which eBay started, the Berlin Wall fell, and the start of the Internet.

His basic argument is that through new technology and social change the differences between the Third World and the West are disappearing. These changes have allowed workers in China, India, the Middle East and a number of other areas in Asia, Africa and South America to have access to cheaper goods, better education, and an (overall) higher standard of living. Friedman defines these changes as a flattening of the Earth as we all become equalized in what we have and the opportunities for growth.

A big part of this picture involves the idea of economic globalization. He takes great care to talk about the benefits of this, such as lower prices and the idea that shared economies breed fewer conflicts, as well as the arguments against it, such as outsourcing and the bringing up of everyone into a higher standard of living and full access to modern lifestyles. He seems to think that left alone, the strong democratic/capitalistic nature of free markets will balance any losses American workers will see.

Throughout his presentation, Friedman uses specific examples of countries, such as India and Asia; companies, such as Dell and Walmart; and no shortage of results from surveys and studies produced by a number of resources. All-in-all, he presents a very strong argument.

As he concludes, Friedman highlights that this flattening of the world is not all good. It is also being used by terrorists and extremists. They use many of the same tools in the form of technology to spread their hate and their reach to cause harm and fear. Friedman also sites the fact that this flattening also weakens the terrorists as it provides a greater opportunity for all to succeed and have a chance to strive toward their dreams.

Those with a strong interest in international politics and relations will likely be very interested in this one.