The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century

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July 16, 2026

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Thomas L. Friedman's book, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century, explores the concept of globalization. Friedman argues that technological advancements and the fall of the Berlin Wall flattened the world, enabling unprecedented levels of collaboration and competition across geographical boundaries. This "flattening" allows individuals and companies from anywhere to compete with anyone else, anywhere else. The book highlights how the digital revolution and increased connectivity have compressed time and space, creating a more interconnected global village where information and ideas can spread instantaneously.12

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Thomas L. Friedman
His next book, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century (2005), which documents and analyzes the history of globalization, was met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Beginning in 2003, Friedman commented extensively on the Iraq War. Although he originally supported the U.S.-led…
Read More
His next book, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century (2005), which documents and analyzes the history of globalization, was met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Beginning in 2003, Friedman commented extensively on the Iraq War. Although he originally supported the U.S.-led…
Read More